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Jyllands Posten
05/08/2008 08:51
It sounds like you might be making a case for the guys who are trying to kill the Danish cartoonist who drew the cartoons featuring Mohammed. I assume that is not your intention, but it might be construed that way by some. Falkiner is a journalist - he should be able to be more creative!
On another note - using blasphemous words (or any swearwords) is really, like you said, a sign of an atrophied mind. - Oom_Kosie |
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Blah
05/08/2008 09:02
Blah blah blah moan moan moan is all I hear. Get over yourself, you share a country with 44 million other people, we all need to get along. - Me |
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Falling back on profanity
05/08/2008 09:04
Hi Chris
Well said, it?s about time we stand up for our own turf as you put it. Maybe that is why this world is in such chaos.
Andy - Andy |
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Talk to me - I'm closer!
05/08/2008 09:04
I personally find blasphemy insulting & I do tend to take people to task for it. I don't get uptight & threaten, but calmly ask people not to blaspheme in my presence. It usually gets the job done & most people make an effort to stop doing it (maybe only when they're around me). Wish Hollywood would stop abusing JC all the time! I love my movies, but starting to get really irritated with the increasing blaspheming in new movies! - Nel |
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Spot on!
05/08/2008 09:05
I couldn't agree more Chris! The sad realisation of the matter is that when most people stand up for their religious beliefs (as is their constitutional right) people tend to listen and either apologize or take action. Yet when Christians voice their disapproval on sensitive subject matter we get branded as Bible-Bashers and Email evangelists (in the words of David Moseley) - do I sense double standards? - The Unknown Voice |
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Agree
05/08/2008 09:10
As a Christian I totally agree with you. My kids can not even watch a cartoon without being bombarded by blasphemy.
But it seems to fit into the world as right is wrong and wrong is right...
(people are following the wide and easy path and they just go with the flow like robots) - Jacques C |
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Oh please
05/08/2008 09:13
Is the best you could come up with? I am so tired of christians feeling like they are persecuted all the time. I hate watching a movie on M-Net and I have the audio set to adult, because I am one, and they STILL block out blasphemy, all because some sad little xtians will be up in arms. Your god is not mine, so I see no problem with it. And if I did have a higher power I believed in, I wouldn't be offended if someone used "his name in vain" What makes the christians so important.Goddamit man!! - TruthBeTold |
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Hear hear
05/08/2008 09:13
Chris, spot on. It shows how cowardly some people are actually. They will often slander Christianity, and use Christian profanity because they know the Christian tenet of "turn the other cheek" (which as a Christian I feel is used out of context in this instance) means they can do it with reckless abandon and no accountability, yet those same people wouldn't dare do the same with Islamic terminology because they know they'd get what for from the Islamic community.
You're absolutely right, Christians should protect their turf better. Otherwise, how much do you really care about your faith?
Lastly, it's curious how TV censorship will bleep out "sh*t" or the f word, but will happily allow blasphemous exclamations to be aired. I guess Christians don't watch TV? - Darryl |
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Gods Name
05/08/2008 09:16
Good point that you make Chris.I for one do not read the Sunday Times,but have I seen it I would make a complaint with the paper.One has to keep in mind that you will give account for every idle work you speak and furthermore,God never lets His name be used vainly without consequence.It is really sad when people need to resort to this type of language to express their feelings.This type of language is not justifiable at all, stepping on my religion or faith.Thank you Chris for pointing it out.
- Sarky |
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Get a life
05/08/2008 09:18
Many don't subscribe to your religion Moerdyk and find the symbols of your god and the expression of faith in public space offensive. It takes a narrow minded, conservative mentality to be offended by the use of the word Christ, is your faith so brittle? While it's true that maligning the prophet could get you killed, where do you see the Jewish community behaving in the same self righteous and militant way as the Christian or Muslim community? At least they have a sense of humour. - Jonathan |
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Its a shame
05/08/2008 09:20
You are quite correct with both regards.The guilty writers are not clever enough to exclude blasphemy and Christians are too lazy or slack to do anything about it. - Brad |
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not necessarily blasphemous
05/08/2008 09:20
Using the name of the lord in vain cannot be equated to blasphemy, yes in the Christian terminology it might be regarded as a transgression but not necessarily blasphemous, the intention of the person and the attitude of heart is relevant to determine the extent of the swear, some people use the words as an expression not intending to degrade Jesus Christ - Kolobe |
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This is a secular country.
05/08/2008 09:24
Religion gets no special protections and holds no privileged position, as it should be. The religious have to tolerate the fact that in a pluralistic society there may be many individuals for whom theocratic doctrine is nothing more than an obsolete worldview or infantile superstition. - Jason Varney |
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Profanity
05/08/2008 09:26
One has the same problem with comedians - the only way they can be funny is by trying to shock you, and usually by swearing, or by being crude. Casper de Vries springs to mind as an excellent example of the swearing comedian. I think it is just because they are to lazy to think.
- KoosS |
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Aaaarggghh!!
05/08/2008 09:32
Im not that sensitive, but I have to admit that my blood boils when I hear US people say: Like, Oh my god, and I was like, Oh my god, like you like know what Im like saying. Oh, my God! Like, no way! Maube not blasphemy, but verrrrry annoying.. - Heinrich |
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Lame exclamation
05/08/2008 09:33
Chris, yes you are right in that everyday language uses Jesus Christ as an exclamation point. This has been entrenched in us through popular culture, and I don't think it will go away.
But also, as an atheist, "For Christ's sake" just rolls better than "For Buddha's sake" or "For Mohammed's sake". Maybe it's a "kah" sound... I'm just making excuses. - Ryan Matthews |
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Love
05/08/2008 09:35
I think people who blaspheme just don't know Christ personally. It's sad to see people so against the gospel and this is often a result of a personal experience with a Christian. People mess up, also Christians; and somehow, as a result God's name gets taken in vain. I think the only way for people to find unity is in God's love and for those that don't know God's love it's hard to trust a Christian. This has always been a struggle and it will only get worse. - SL |
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A christian call to arms?
05/08/2008 09:40
Well well Chris... So it has been a couple of years since the christians have done some serious killing in the name of JC. Oh hang on, what aout dubya's holy oil war?
If you think for just five seconds you will realise that the christians are killing at a rate that the rest of the religions can only aspire to...
What a pathetic piece of journalism. - What a joke? |
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blasphemy
05/08/2008 09:50
Thank you for a great piece of writing. It is very evident that Christians do not object strongly enough to such writing. Even more upsetting is the fact that some writers feel that they need not respect the religious beliefs of certain groups. Christians unfortunately bear the brunt of it. Possibly it is because we as Christians cannot fully appreciate the distinction between the humility that we are supposed to exhibit and the the resistance that the body of Christ must show towards blasphemy.A - Wiking |
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The sign of the Times
05/08/2008 09:50
Swearing is very much a part of today's culture, and , is often glibly used, however, the use of the JC word for me, as a Christian, hurts as it's slurring my Lord Jesus Christ. It's that simple, really. Don't slur his name. Ever. Have some respect, people, guard your tongue. If a journalist has studied English at Varsity, surely he can come up with a more apt or suitable word. - T |
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I don't think God really cares...
05/08/2008 09:55
Do you really think an omnipotent being really cares what you do with his name, I can't imagine God being that uptight. Anyway it only blasphemy if Thomas Falkiner believes in God. - Him |
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What's good for the goose
05/08/2008 09:59
Completely agree Chris. To me it is cheap journalism to blaspheme. Utterly unprofessional and disrespectful. You are right - we all think it's wrong to diss other religions, but when someone stands up for Christianity we get accused of being "some sad little xtians up in arms". Eish... - CC |
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@TruthBeTold & What a joke?
05/08/2008 10:00
Firstly Roman Catholic religious wars against Muslims and any "non believers" over the centuries do no speak on behalf of Christians. But that's a whole other debate altogether. Let me say this, God is not mocked. I for example, don't believe there is another galaxy besides ours. Does that make it go away ??? "Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess ..." That includes you guys ... - GT |
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Dont be so touchy
05/08/2008 10:13
Names like God and Christ('the chosen one') are generic terms, and although they are the cornerstones of Christianity, strictly speaking none of them are the 'Name' of God. So you believers shouldnt really have a problem. Maybe the people who keep using them are genuinely hoping that the absent God will answer them, even with retribution. Its got to be better than this silent, invisible God letting the world burn. - snoopy |
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Ludicrous!
05/08/2008 10:16
It seems rather ludicrous for an individual to make an offensive statement and say that the offended should not take offense! Should it not be the individual who the offense is directed at that makes the judgement call? In the same way, if Christ means nothing to you, please do not think you have the right to tell Christians not to be offended. Put in a RSA context...referring to a black person as a "ka##!r," and thinking that because you arent offended by it, no-one else should be, is ludicrous. - Let's use some brain power |
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To Hear Hear
05/08/2008 10:17
I feel sorry for the millions of people tortured and murdered in the name of this and other religions - it must come as a surprise when someone who you expect to turn the other cheek instead tortures and kills you! Cowardly indeed!? - Andre Odendaa; |
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Child porn and wife abuse- the same
05/08/2008 10:19
What if we started to make jokes about child abuse and human trafficking? Would you be offended. Yes, because it is offensive.
For us as Christians blasphemy is making a joke about something that our that is the foundation of our whole lives. Just because your not Christian, doesn't give you the right to mock my faith.
Or can we start making jokes about my neighbor who got raped the other night........ - bbvb |
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Sad .....
05/08/2008 10:21
I was always told that if you want a debate to get out of hand, include either politics or religion. Chris, what happened, did you get out of bed and discover you had a lack of content today. Comon guys, each to their own. Kolobe, for once I agree with you. If Thomas Falkiner in not a christian, he is not wrong. - KD |
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Your biggest mistake
05/08/2008 10:21
...is that you were reading the garbage known as the Sunday Times, in the first place. Jonathan - that is typically Jewish behaviour you're exhibiting: thinking your people are above the goyim...more disgusting than any blasphemy could ever be. Religions are as offensive as any form of profanity could possibly be. - Schmied |
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Defending Religion?
05/08/2008 10:24
Frankly I find it strange that people find it necessary to defend their religion. This is a freedom of religion country, so what exactly are you defending? Your own thoughts? Or your own doubts? If you so totally believe in whatever you believe, what is the point in defending it? The destiny of your sole is after all your own responsibility, nobody else's. bo believe whatever you want. It is absolutely noboby else's business. - TB |
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Jonathan and TruthBeTold
05/08/2008 10:28
This country believes in religous freedom, so if you choose not to believe it's your prerogative. Then you should also choose not to read Christian posts or articles if it offends you so much. I assure you Christians find your degrading of our faith equally offensive - but then that is why you post nasty comments like these, isn't it? - FairisFair |
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Well said
05/08/2008 10:31
Well done Chris, when other religions stand up for their beliefs they are commended for their tenacity but when Christians do it they are belittled as is evident from some of the comments above. It is time to say ENOUGH - I too want my children protected. By the way those like "truthbetold" and "what a joke" written above- Shame, you are in for a big suprise!! - Another Christian |
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Every knee shall bow ...
05/08/2008 10:31
It's not the 'Christian ethic of turning the other cheek', but rather the Christian belief that every individual shall one day have to account for his or her actions, attitudes and behaviour on earth. - Leon |
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Go Chris Go
05/08/2008 10:33
Chris I want to encourage you to keep up the good work. We as Christians are called to make the name of King Jesus famous and to share His love with all people and a part of that is to stand against the blasphemy of His wonderful name. - GK |
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Express!
05/08/2008 10:33
I agree with TB totally. So I find it stupid that someone would think a mere word makes the journalist a bad writer. That's probably exactly what he thought at that moment, so why shouldn't he express it any way he wants to? - Shantih |
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blasphemy
05/08/2008 10:34
Your piece made me wonder what kind of profanity Muslims and Jews use. Anybody who moves in those circles, tell us? - taurus |
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fairy tales
05/08/2008 10:38
and don't you dare take the names of father christmas, the easter bunny and the tooth fairy in vain. get a life. admit it, you fundmentalists actually enjoy hearing blasphemy - it gives you a pleasant little splinchter twitch to think your fearsome god is going to punish that naughty person. - peter |
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Christ
05/08/2008 10:39
To all the blasphemers, atheists, and cynical: Explain to me why you would mock the name of a man who died like a butchered animal in your place, so that your sins were accounted for by his blood. HE DIED IN YOUR PLACE..now surely you are not so silly as to mock the greatest man that ever lived. Your arrogance is astounding only because you do not yet lie on your death bed. - mark |
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I agree with you
05/08/2008 10:51
I liked your article and am glad you had the guts to say something about it. Everyone has a right to their own beliefs, but for those who aren't believers, I'd say it's at least as bad as us using the name of a lost loved one as a swear word. I think it is time that christians do something about it, but maybe that should start with looking at ourselves and learning some humility before we try to change other people's thinking. - Chris |
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Civilisation
05/08/2008 10:52
Where do we get our values and the laws that govern our country from? It didn't come from democracy or atheism. In terms of the western world the basis of law and democracy/human rights come from the Catholic Church. That is why, for example, laws were written in Latin. Western civilisation was built on Christianity. All major civilisations in the world come from religions. You don't have to believe in God to read history. - FD |
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God Lives
05/08/2008 10:52
Well said "Mark" I could not agree with you more. Why do the blasphemers, atheists and cynics always become so aggressive? Could it be a little fear!! and so they should fear. Would you rather live your life as if GOD really did exist and find out that HE did not; than live your life believing that HE did not exist, only to find out that HE does!! Remember, eternity is a looooooong time! - Another Christian |
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Get over yourselves
05/08/2008 10:54
Honestly it is so sad to see once again fundamentalists moaning about something of non consequence..remeber not everyone is christian and I agree with peter just because it means something to you doesnt mean it is any more than a word to me.There is so much bad going on in the world and you want to complain because some non christians are allowed freedom of speech..seriously get a life - Ali |
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The Name of Jesus
05/08/2008 10:55
All I am going to say is that there is Power in The Name of Jesus ! Clearly those who chose to
use His name in vain know of Him ! Everytime they use His name, I picture Him hearing His name, looking from whom it comes, hoping they are actually talking to Him. Imagine the disappointment ! One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess He is Lord ! Yes, I love Jesus ! - Annie |
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Falling back on Profanity
05/08/2008 11:01
Profanity/Blasfamy is the open mocking of God and a direct contravention of the 10 Commandments. Both intentional or untentional mocking of God reflects an intellectual and spiritual depravity, we pray God reveals HIS LOVE to them. - MS |
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proud of you Chris
05/08/2008 11:04
Thanks Chris, you are so right blasphemy are so common in the media these days. A sin that would have received the death sentence in the earlier years. How can one have respect and serve God if we use His name so disrespectfully. And a lot of people have written and signed petitions to the BCC to complain and let them remove this blasphemy off the media and they do just absolute nothing about it. Dont let these atheists upset you with their remarks because everyone will reap what they sow. - I |
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Thanks Chris
05/08/2008 11:07
As a Catholic I know all about being mocked and snubbed for my religion. The negative comments by some people in response to your article are meant to be shocking to us Christians, but to be honest I've heard it all before. So, sorry guys, close but no cigar. So thank you Chris for saying what I feel every time I turn on the TV, read an article, or hear my friends and colleagues conversing with each other. - Bronwen |
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Indifferent
05/08/2008 11:09
Well, WHO CARES, if you're offended don't read it, you have the right and freedom to believe, say what you want, just as other's will pretty much do the same. you won't budge your viewpoints for others but will expect everyone to move theirs for you. um, pretty hypocritical. while I disagree with the original viewpoint, i will defend his/her right to say it. Grow up please. people are different. Realise it and stop whining about it. nothing you do or say is going to change that, nor will this. - indifferent |
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Command of the language will enable writers to find...
05/08/2008 11:10
alterante words to use rather than blaspheny. By not using these alternate words, they show insensitivity. Some people say WHAT IF, there is / no Christian God. WHAT IF they are wrong / correct? Wil they not be held to account for their sins regardless of their religion?Me. I believe & are apposed to blasphemy in any form & find it offensive. - Matrix |
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Falling back on profanity
05/08/2008 11:15
Agreed, 200%. It is time for Christians to stand-up for their believes! I feel sorry for some of the people who have criticized your article and commented in support of Falkiner's blasphemy....All we can do is pray for them so that they also receive the gift of Light. - Raymond |
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Blasphemy?
05/08/2008 11:17
Blasphemy as a concept is a joke. It orginally referred to a criminal act and now (thankfully) just the act of using (specifically the xtian deity's name in vain) now if someone exclaimed oh Zeus! or oh Thor! no one would complain - why should these imaginary deities have less prestige than the imaginary xtian one/s - bottom line is that your fairytale faith has no inalieable right to respect - respect it if you want but don't force or expect intelligent people to do the same! - Warren |
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Mark, you are utterly insane
05/08/2008 11:22
Your statement is hilarious, yet disturbing. Jesus did not die in my place, he did not rise from the dead, and he is not the son of God (and God himself). If you have any proof, other than the scraps of paper put together by the politically motivated Council of Nicaea, labelled the Holy Bible, please provide it. Your childish beliefs are no more believable than the divinity of Achilles, and frankly, I'd much rather believe in a great god than a god of meek lambs. You are what is wrong with xtians - Schmied |
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Funny
05/08/2008 11:32
Funny that so many people who do not believe in God choose to call unto Him so often. - marinda |
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@snoopy....you are 100% correct.
05/08/2008 11:35
"Christ" means "the chosen one"...could refer to anybody really (even that money-making potato farmer guy if you believe he is "chosen"). It's not the name of any deity, in any religion. Neither is god/God. It is a TERM, not a name. But Christians have never been known to KNOW anything, or READ UP on anything - they just follow their religious leaders blindly and believe every word they say. And best is, they'll keep on arguing no matter what the facts are, or how many times you prove them wrong. - J.O |
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Moral Regeneration
05/08/2008 11:35
I am not a christian, but I am amazed by the fact that as a society we moan about the dropping of standards and the need for moral regeneration when we tolerate bad language constantly in the media. It is indeed sad that those who are supposed to be educated resort to expressing themselves in this way - Gail |
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answer to Blasphemy (Taurus)
05/08/2008 11:39
I am a Muslim, so I guess I "move in those circle" lol.As a rule we Muslims respect all the messengers of God. Great personalities like Isa (Jesus) and Musa (Moses)and Ebrahim (Abraham) [Peace Be Upon Them] are respected and revered by Muslims. These Prophets are mentioned in the Quran with an admonition to respect them, love them, and learn from them. As such a Muslim will never profane the names of these people of God. It is sad that it is sometimes the Xtians who use the name of Jesus lightly. - South African |
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the media is too unprincipled to be consistent
05/08/2008 11:45
Yours is a bold statement,as some hostile comments above allready attest.It is the journalist's choice what to believe/not believe,but respect should be applied consistently.The press do choose their enemies carefully,it does appear to "respect" faiths where the consequences are known to be more severe.It is very poor journalism,as is the inability to invent original applicable metaphors.What does it suggest re the level of journalism as it relates to facts which u have to trust the writer on? - kwk |
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Blasphemy is a victimless crime...
05/08/2008 11:54
Since the dawn of time people have invoked the name of deities to add power and emphasis when they speak. By Jove, lighten up! - Johan |
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Just look at how many blasphemous...
05/08/2008 11:59
comments will come through and be published with this article of yours, Chris. - marius |
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Good article
05/08/2008 12:01
Thanks Chris for pointing out this obvious discrimination in the predominant use of anti-Christian blasphemy by the press. The obvious reason why journalist will not use anti-Muslim statements, but blaspheme against the Christian faith is that they are cowards. They know that Christians (and this should answer your question) will often NOT respond with violence or via any other means. Jesus set the example by not responding to accusations or insults. We could all learn from that... - DJ |
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Well said Chris...
05/08/2008 12:14
I agree on both points, lazy writers fall back on profanity/blasphemy, and too often Christians (in particular) don't seem to stand up for their faith - personally, I subscribe to a totally different faith, and do use statements like "Jesus Christ" for effect - however, if anyone is offended by it and asks me to refrain, I happily do so, as I don't believe in offending others once I am aware they take issue with it - pity some of the other non-Christians on this list can't act the same way!
Remember folks: ?And harm ye none, do as ye will??
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The heart of the problem
05/08/2008 12:22
One reason why Christians don't "defend their turf" is that they do not want to create the misconception that God will accept them because they follow a set of rules (e.g. not blaspheming). They believe that God is angry with those he has created because they do not acknowledge Him as God, and that the only way for that anger to be turned away is for Jesus to die in their place. - Rob |
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Chris, I agree with you
05/08/2008 12:22
such weak journalism should not be allowed. Why do some people think they are being smart when using foul language and resort to blasphemy - it is highly offensive. HIS name should only be used with respect. - Liza |
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Christians Stand Up and be Counted
05/08/2008 12:23
I'm a Christian and so very proud to call Jesus my Lord and saviour. I agree completley with your article and get so irritated with people that blaspheme. I just wish that our faith was not persecuted like it is. I feel that since religon (any faith) was taken out of schools, our society has become imoral and hateful towards each other. All religons have a good grounding that teaches good values - but now that is gone. Let's pray for a better future. - Jesus Freak and Proud of It |
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@ mark
05/08/2008 12:26
Seriously now, George Carlin is the greatest man that ever lived. I would never mock George, he is a true legend. There is still debate over whether jesus even existed but if he did and I love to burst your little brainwashed bubble but he was just a man. So give respect where it's due and give George Carlin a big thumbs up. - John |
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Falling back or moving back?
05/08/2008 12:38
It seems to me that in general, the media has become more tolerant of cursing, and not only limited to blasphemy. For example, I grew up in an era when saying that one is "pissed off" was classed as swearing; these days I hear it in daytime family sitcoms. Are we evolving or moving back to grunts and moans because we lack an adequate vocabulary? - mandy |
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Good one
05/08/2008 12:39
First time I agree with you. - EB |
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Poor journalism
05/08/2008 12:48
The writer is simply attacking the integrity of the journo who wrote the article, and thats all! He is not making any other claim besides that! However as a christian born again by the spirit of God through the POWER of the blood of Jesus who was crucified and raised from the dead, and because the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives within me, it does offend me. - Russell |
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Lots of double standards here
05/08/2008 12:54
Non-religious people are offended by Bible-bashing or receiving religious emails, but they have no problem with blasphemy? Think about this. You are offended by religion being pushed down your throat, but you have NO PROBLEM pushing blasphemy down a religious person's throat and they must just "accept it and stop moaning". Nice... lol. And stupid. - chops |
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Jesus and other invisible Friends
05/08/2008 13:02
Blasphemy is a victimless crime. - chuck |
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You're joking right?
05/08/2008 13:04
I'm glad that you quote that. So what if he takes the lords name in vain. That's exactly what was going through his mind! Quoted! To write anything else would be wrong and as a journalist wouldn't work. Take the context in which it was used. Like it or not... much like those images of violence that we are constantly shown, it needs to be recorded correctly. Or would it be better to simply lie? Or make it up? - Robert |
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Be careful
05/08/2008 13:08
I believe in God and Jesus Christ and sure I'm offended by blasphemy, but the one thing we must remember is to be careful how we portray God. Remember people are looking at us as an image of the God we serve. If we forget to show love, mercy and grace amongst other things, we tend to look self righteous and we accomplish nothing. Just a thought... - Thalion |
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@TruthBeTold & What a Joke?
05/08/2008 13:12
You guys are missing the point - our constitution calls for tolerance for all religions, Christians included. Maybe you should evaluate your pathetic lives and maybe you will discover that you are missing something? - Taurus |
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