THE TELEGRAPH: It's International Blasphemy Day. We take a look at some of the key moments in the history of the profane.
International Blasphemy Day, 30 September, is intended “to remind the world that religion should never again be beyond open and honest discussion”.
It marks the anniversary of the 2005 publication of the 12 Danish cartoons that depicted Mohammed and led to worldwide riots. Its founders want to “dismantle the wall which exists between religion and criticism”.
It has, of course, met with criticism – prominent US Catholic Bill Donohue accuses the movement of picking on Christianity: "The stated purpose of Blasphemy Day has nothing to do with any religion but Islam. So who have they chosen to mock? You guessed it - Christians."
However, not all religious people take offence. “The Lord Jesus Christ was and is despised and rejected of men,” says Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. “Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are not commanded to defend his honor, but to be willing to share in the scorn directed to him.”
Here is a brief look at some of the recent history of blasphemy. >>> Tom Chivers | Wedmesday, September 30, 2009
