Quote:
Originally Posted by Ilene Wright
As a Christian it is offensive Seeker. It's flagrantly taking the Lord's name in vain and I'm glad you brought this to the attention of others because it is a huge problem. OMG has become the norm and it shouldn't be that way. Oh my gosh is one thing, but oh my God is something completely different. And that's what people mean when they use OMG. I absolutely hate the use of GD out of anyone's mouth, it makes me cringe. Just say damnit if you have to say something. It's a Christian thing, and it's just not acceptable. The bible says so.
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Well I have even heard that gosh is an acronym for god and who is to say OMG is not oh my gosh.
I think stuff like JFC (work it out) would be offensive but a generic OMG is not. What about the expression holy crap?
I understand the sensitivity and do not use that as an expletive or exclamation. I think it is merely an expression of modern speech. The idea that this is blasphemy really missed the true meaning of that term. Even when I was a believer, I never took offense, one hardly sees a movie these days w/o the JC reference in the dialogue.
The Scots like to use the term "holy mother of god" as an expletive which to most catholics would be offensive, again is it derogatory or is it merely an expression?
- A contemptuous or profane act, utterance, or writing concerning God or a sacred entity.
- The act of claiming for oneself the attributes and rights of God.
- An irreverent or impious act, attitude, or utterance in regard to something considered inviolable or sacrosanct.
Read more: blasphemy: West's Encyclopedia of American Law (Full Article) from Answers.com
IMO, 1b comes close to what we witness when I see "god told me.." and it is merely the opinion of the man. Thus by what we see here all xians seem to be guilty of this. This would apply to the pope that claims he stands in the place of god until his return (his latin name, you can look it up) and of course those that claim they are stewards, men of god etc.
2 would apply to me as I speak against what is regarded as sacred by many. Actually I speak against the lies of the belief having been there once myself, so in reality I am more apostate.
Either way, all these did carry the death penalty and fortunately in this day and age of enlightenment, we heathen too can share our opinions w/o reprisal unless you are in a muslim country
Even the blasphemy laws in Ireland essentially are there to prevent folk speaking out against the church but probably will not stand in court as which church is the authority? RCC of COE?
So even with a legal definition, it is not really cast in concrete what constitutes a blasphemy.
Were I to invade my old church and stand up and correct the lies of the pastor even with irrefutable proof, I would be ushered out rather quickly and likely a slap to the ear for good measure. I would not do that as that would constitute invasion of privacy and would be a crime in context of our constitution. Likewise they are restricted here and if someone came to my door pestering me, I could file a lawsuit against them. Only the JW's still do door-door stuff but they are not allowed in the gate and have to shout and get permission to enter the premises, we all have fences or brick walls here not like your open plan in the USA (by what I see on TV)
They cannot even enter cluster dwellings as they have to be let in by security, same for apartments, closest you'll get to is an intercom. Then if allowed in will only be allowed to go that particular apartment. They would then have to go out and call again to be let in. Failure to do so by merely knocking on the next door will lead to an arrest.
Even when xians want to do a parade or say hold a tent meeting on a sports field, permission has to be sought from the local authorities. A resident can stop this by citing that the noise will be offensive should their house be in the same street as the sports field. Churches are allowed to post posters of coming events but that has to be cleared by the local council, anything offensive like gay bashing can be taken down with a complaint to the authorities, they are not even allowed to publicly bash other religions. Church then stays in church where it belongs and they are not even allowed to slam atheists as being of the devil on their own bill boards as I have seen some examples of on this and other forums.
The church I attended has a cell tower on the property and has Jesus Saves in big letters, that is allowed as it is on their property and not construed as offensive. Were I to lodge a complaint because I am "forced" to read it, I will be told to get over myself.
One city here was full of xian stuff on municipal buses, they were forced to remove it as it was public property. Then again I see jesus fish stickers and the like and no one keys their cars, nor have I seen Darwin fish on atheists cars. Ironically, the drivers of the fish cars usually are the ones giving the finger to everyone else.
Most folk here still self identify as xian so there are seldom any lawsuits like what you have with the ACLU, but then again, we do not have xian stuff plastered up on our courts and schools. As with all schools I attended, if you were a jew or muslim, or non xian, you were allowed to skip the religious part of assembly, probably something that the USA no longer does anyway. Ours are nowadays restricted to a bible reading and a short prayer. Consensus is gained from the PTA whether this is allowed or not and in most city schools where the cultures are more diverse, this religious part does not take place.
Sorry for the long explanation, just so you know where I am coming from. We have no blasphemy laws.
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