Comments on: Go ahead, Stephen Fry, take your best blaspheming shot

By: Keith Wilson

Keith Wilson — Wed, 24 May 2017 12:21:54 +0000

In reply to Eleni. Spot on Eleni

By: Michael Frost

Michael Frost — Mon, 15 May 2017 01:21:20 +0000

In reply to Jayel. True. That is a pretty old story. But, yes, I'm not saying all Christians have been so gracious in response to criticism. Having said that, Andres Serrano's work, immersing a crucifix in urine, makes a powerful point about the humiliation of Christ. Sadly, some Christians failed to see it.

By: Jayel

Jayel — Mon, 15 May 2017 00:56:31 +0000

Although Christians are generally not generally stirred to action by attacks on or criticism of their chosen deity, this is not always the way – cf. Piss Christ.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/andres-serrano-piss-christ-triggers-religious-fury-and-court-battle-in-1990s-trials/news-story/5e997822f57fce0ea4dcdf066ef7b79e?sv=8f3949d369ec826f3eb00d5b75d3d27d

By: Michael Frost

Michael Frost — Sat, 13 May 2017 22:37:49 +0000

In reply to John Cooke. Most of the leading lights of the Renaissance, including artists and scientists (not sure who these "free thinkers" were) were in fact Christians themselves. But let's not quibble.

By: John Cooke

John Cooke — Sat, 13 May 2017 21:53:33 +0000

I think it’s just embarassing for Christians that someone like Fry could be prosecuted for blasphemy for the remarks he made in the first place instead of making comparisons with what happens in Islamic states. I also think it’s questionable whether we’d be in a situation in the West where people can get away with such comments if not for the Renaissance and various other movements that have taken place throughout recent Western history, movements led mainly by artists, scientists and free thinkers. In this case I would think a humble thanks that we’re not back in the middle ages would be better than a self-pat-on-the-back.

By: Jenny Matthews

Jenny Matthews — Sat, 13 May 2017 12:50:44 +0000

Clive James says (paraphrasing here): Blasphemy is the cheapening of the central experience of another persons life. No better explanation of it even with the reading of lots of theology books! Folk who think they are hipsters, tolerant and on a wave of popularity, think they can get away with lots! Funny how some folk know that God was with them in the dark dales of depression, I would like Fry to understand that. All the same he’s made general knowledge (including the fact that the church was ok with the theory of evolution when it was first discussed in the 1800’s) popular on QI.

By: Paul

Paul — Sat, 13 May 2017 04:06:13 +0000

Yes we don’t need to defend God. The fact the Fry or Dawkins or Gervais are not put down by their Creator indicates that each of them yet may be in His sights to save them from themselves. He (God) truly died for each of them & me.

By: Steve Chavura

Steve Chavura — Sat, 13 May 2017 00:18:35 +0000

Good post. Cheers.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 12 May 2017 17:58:47 +0000

Yep, I’ve seen so many of those Ricky Gervais quotes making their way around facebook- even shared by members of my own family…always makes me feel sad- for Ricky, and for all the people who become a little more hard-hearted as they read.

By: Brian

Brian — Fri, 12 May 2017 11:50:30 +0000

Great thoughts! Thanks for reminding me where our strength lies.