Fun:Beginner's guide to blasphemy
Every 30th September is International Blasphemy Day.[1] On this auspicious occasion, one should make a special effort to offend the religious beliefs of every person they meet - emphasis on the "religious beliefs" part, not the "every person" part, the former makes you a blasphemer, the latter makes you a douche. While this is entirely immoral, and most probably fattening too, it's also tremendous fun.
However, it has come to our attention that first time amateur blasphemers might not know proper the blaspheming techniques. With this in mind, RationalWiki is proud to present The Beginner's Guide to Blasphemy for your edification.
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[edit] What is blasphemy?
- Main article: Blasphemy
In short, blasphemy is the practice of speaking about some number of gods in a manner that is notionally offensive to the deities referred to, or since their existence is questionable, to their earthly adherents.
What counts as blasphemous varies from deity to deity, and in fact it may not be possible to blaspheme in some more sensible religions. [citation needed] These people are no fun.
In modern times, blasphemy has come to be more widely understood by the credulous masses as anything said about your religion which is vaguely offensive. For example, Ireland's recent outlawing of "blasphemous libel" describes blasphemy as speech that is "grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion." While the "any" is surely a sop to equality by not specifying that you shouldn't insult a specific religion only, this could happily refer to numerous secular religions or parody religions. So be sure to insult Jedi everywhere by espousing the greatness of Roddenberry's Trek over Lucas' Wars.
[edit] Who to blaspheme against
It is important to choose a satisfying and appropriate target for your blasphemy. Beginners might choose an easy target such as Islam or Roman Catholicism. Islamic adherents can easily be offended by such trifles as waving a picture of ham in their faces or drawing a crude cartoon of the prophet Muhammad raping a sheep or doing anything else. Then Roman Catholics take a ton of offense from people stealing a tiny sliver of bread.
Experienced blasphemers might enjoy the challenge of attempting to rile up some pacifist sects such as Quakers, Mennonites or Jains. Contrary to popular perception, even Buddhists can be worthy oversensitive targets.
[edit] Where to blaspheme
It is important your blasphemy is done in public, in places where the religious are likely to gather. Such events might include book and/or witch burnings, KKK rallies or national lottery drawings.
Beware, some backward countries such as Ireland and Greece may have laws against blasphemy. In these circumstances it may be good practice to disguise yourself before blaspheming, in order to avoid the consequences. In any case, it might be good to wear running shoes and be reasonably fleet of foot, or otherwise have a swift means of escape planned in case your victims seek retribution.
Even in the United States blasphemers who think they're exercising First Amendment rights may find themselves in trouble over some law hardly anyone has heard of. Simulated sex with a Jesus statue including "getting a mock-blowjob from the Lord" is not recommended, at least not in Pennsylvania as it can get you up to 2 years in prison, get you banned from using social media with a few hours of community service[2] 350 hours community service and other uncool stuff. [3] [4] [5] By contrast writing, “Jesus loves dicks” on a Pennsylvanian school wall would merit at most 1 year. [6]
Under no circumstances should one attempt to blaspheme in Pakistan or Iran, or at least be prepared for the whole country wanting to put your head on a stick. There are far more fun ways to commit suicide.
[edit] List of possible blasphemies
Once you've determined to commit your first blasphemy, it is important to have something appropriate to say. This quick reference to blaspheming religions from Anabaptists through to Zoroastrians may help plan your blasphemy. While these ones try to be specific to the religions involved, in more general terms any suggestions that the gods referred to don't actually exist would be regarded as blasphemous to those who believe in that particular god. Of course believers in other gods would simply regards this as fair comment.
| Religion | Deity | Dislikes | Suggested Blasphemous Sayings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anabaptist | Yahweh/Jehovah | Modernity, fancy clothing, warfare. | "Your wife looks nice today." |
| Catholicism | Yahweh/Jehovah/Jesus/Holy Spirit | Talking smack about the holy ghost, kidnapping his son in bread form, accusing his followers of cannibalism, being president | "Polytheist want a cracker?" |
| Evangelical Christianity | Yahweh/Jehovah/Jesus | Gays, sex, gay sex. | "Jesus is gaay! Jesus is gaaay, G.A.Y. Gay! G.A.Y. Gay!" |
| Hinduism | Ganesha | Feeding the deity a peanut, Lost Coast beer, hot nude elephant on elephant action. | "Oh yeah? Well, at least Dumbo could fly." |
| Islam | Yahweh/Jehovah/Allah | Ham, drawings of himself/Muhammad, nude women, women in general. | "Muhammad was a paedophile!" |
| Neoconservatism | St. Ronnie the Absentminded | Liberals, Truth, not making any money off the suffering and sweat equity of others. | "Did you know that Reagan raised taxes 11 times and nearly tripled the size of the government?" |
| Norse Paganism | Odin | Loki, Edgar Allan Poe, Fenrir, idiots. | "Nice depth perception, one eye!" |
| Pastafarianism | The Flying Spaghetti Monster | Judging people, not eating, acting Like A Sanctimonious Twat | "Pirates suck! Ninjas Rule!" |
| Church of the SubGenius | JHVH-1 | Lack of slack | immune from blasphemy |
| Zoroastrianism | Ahura Mazda | Lies, ancient Greeks, eating vultures. | "Madness? THIS IS SPARTA!" |
| Discordianism | Eris | Dichotomies, hot dog buns | "Law of fives is false!" |
| Judaism | Yahweh/Jehova/Allah | Ham, shellfish, foreskin | "I'm a Jew for Jesus." |
| Jehovah's Witness | Jehovah | Hard questions, blood, Satanists, no soliciting signs, crosses | When they ask if you've found Jesus: "No, but I have found Satan!" |
[edit] External links
- 11 Blasphemies to Enjoy On International Blasphemy Day They mention Us.
[edit] Footnotes
- ↑ Blasphemy day homepage (Archived)
- ↑ Bedford County DA: Voice of group left out of desecration case
- ↑ Teen Who “Desecrated” Jesus Statue Hit with 6-Month Ban from Social Media and 350 Hours of Community Service
- ↑ Teen May Get 2 Years For Pic Of Fake Oral Sex With Jesus - Teen faces jail for allegedly uploading photo of himself simulating oral sex with statue of Jesus
- ↑ Prosecutor, Bill Higgins who charged the teen was in trouble for real adultery, possibly non consensual while the kid just messed with an inanimate statue. Let's hope voters in Bedford County, Pennsylvania get to know.
- ↑ Two years for taking a blowjob pic with a Jesus statue is ludicrous.