From today, 1 January 2010, the new Irish blasphemy law becomes operational, and we begin our campaign to have it repealed. Blasphemy is now a crime punishable by a €25,000 fine. The new law defines blasphemy as publishing or uttering matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby intentionally causing outrage among a substantial number of adherents of that religion, with some defences permitted.
This new law is both silly and dangerous. It is silly because medieval religious laws have no place in a modern secular republic, where the criminal law should protect people and not ideas. And it is dangerous because it incentivises religious outrage, and because Islamic States led by Pakistan are already using the wording of this Irish law to promote new blasphemy laws at UN level.
We believe in the golden rule: that we have a right to be treated justly, and that we have a responsibility to treat other people justly. Blasphemy laws are unjust: they silence people in order to protect ideas. In a civilised society, people have a right to to express and to hear ideas about religion even if other people find those ideas to be outrageous.
Publication of 25 blasphemous quotes
In this context we now publish a list of 25 blasphemous quotes, which have previously been published by or uttered by or attributed to Jesus Christ, Muhammad, Mark Twain, Tom Lehrer, Randy Newman, James Kirkup, Monty Python, Rev Ian Paisley, Conor Cruise O’Brien, Frank Zappa, Salman Rushdie, Bjork, Amanda Donohoe, George Carlin, Paul Woodfull, Jerry Springer the Opera, Tim Minchin, Richard Dawkins, Pope Benedict XVI, Christopher Hitchens, PZ Myers, Ian O’Doherty, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor and Dermot Ahern.
Despite these quotes being abusive and insulting in relation to matters held sacred by various religions, we unreservedly support the right of these people to have published or uttered them, and we unreservedly support the right of any Irish citizen to make comparable statements about matters held sacred by any religion without fear of being criminalised, and without having to prove to a court that a reasonable person would find any particular value in the statement.
Campaign begins to repeal the Irish blasphemy law
We ask Fianna Fail and the Green Party to repeal their anachronistic blasphemy law, as part of the revision of the Defamation Act that is included within the Act. We ask them to hold a referendum to remove the reference to blasphemy from the Irish Constitution.
We also ask all TDs and Senators to support a referendum to remove references to God from the Irish Constitution, including the clauses that prevent atheists from being appointed as President of Ireland or as a Judge without swearing a religious oath asking God to direct them in their work.
If you run a website, blog or other media publication, please feel free to republish this statement and the list of quotes yourself, in order to show your support for the campaign to repeal the Irish blasphemy law and to promote a rational, ethical, secular Ireland.
List of 25 Blasphemous Quotes Published by Atheist Ireland
1. Jesus Christ, when asked if he was the son of God, in Matthew 26:64: “Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” According to the Christian Bible, the Jewish chief priests and elders and council deemed this statement by Jesus to be blasphemous, and they sentenced Jesus to death for saying it.
2. Jesus Christ, talking to Jews about their God, in John 8:44: “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.” This is one of several chapters in the Christian Bible that can give a scriptural foundation to Christian anti-Semitism. The first part of John 8, the story of “whoever is without sin cast the first stone”, was not in the original version, but was added centuries later. The original John 8 is a debate between Jesus and some Jews. In brief, Jesus calls the Jews who disbelieve him sons of the Devil, the Jews try to stone him, and Jesus runs away and hides.
3. Muhammad, quoted in Hadith of Bukhari, Vol 1 Book 8 Hadith 427: “May Allah curse the Jews and Christians for they built the places of worship at the graves of their prophets.” This quote is attributed to Muhammad on his death-bed as a warning to Muslims not to copy this practice of the Jews and Christians. It is one of several passages in the Koran and in Hadith that can give a scriptural foundation to Islamic anti-Semitism, including the assertion in Sura 5:60 that Allah cursed Jews and turned some of them into apes and swine.
4. Mark Twain, describing the Christian Bible in Letters from the Earth, 1909: “Also it has another name – The Word of God. For the Christian thinks every word of it was dictated by God. It is full of interest. It has noble poetry in it; and some clever fables; and some blood-drenched history; and some good morals; and a wealth of obscenity; and upwards of a thousand lies… But you notice that when the Lord God of Heaven and Earth, adored Father of Man, goes to war, there is no limit. He is totally without mercy – he, who is called the Fountain of Mercy. He slays, slays, slays! All the men, all the beasts, all the boys, all the babies; also all the women and all the girls, except those that have not been deflowered. He makes no distinction between innocent and guilty… What the insane Father required was blood and misery; he was indifferent as to who furnished it.” Twain’s book was published posthumously in 1939. His daughter, Clara Clemens, at first objected to it being published, but later changed her mind in 1960 when she believed that public opinion had grown more tolerant of the expression of such ideas. That was half a century before Fianna Fail and the Green Party imposed a new blasphemy law on the people of Ireland.
5. Tom Lehrer, The Vatican Rag, 1963: “Get in line in that processional, step into that small confessional. There, the guy who’s got religion’ll tell you if your sin’s original. If it is, try playing it safer, drink the wine and chew the wafer. Two, four, six, eight, time to transubstantiate!”
6. Randy Newman, God’s Song, 1972: “And the Lord said: I burn down your cities – how blind you must be. I take from you your children, and you say how blessed are we. You all must be crazy to put your faith in me. That’s why I love mankind.”
7. James Kirkup, The Love That Dares to Speak its Name, 1976: “While they prepared the tomb I kept guard over him. His mother and the Magdalen had gone to fetch clean linen to shroud his nakedness. I was alone with him… I laid my lips around the tip of that great cock, the instrument of our salvation, our eternal joy. The shaft, still throbbed, anointed with death’s final ejaculation.” This extract is from a poem that led to the last successful blasphemy prosecution in Britain, when Denis Lemon was given a suspended prison sentence after he published it in the now-defunct magazine Gay News. In 2002, a public reading of the poem, on the steps of St. Martin-in-the-Fields church in Trafalgar Square, failed to lead to any prosecution. In 2008, the British Parliament abolished the common law offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel.
8. Matthias, son of Deuteronomy of Gath, in Monty Python’s Life of Brian, 1979: “Look, I had a lovely supper, and all I said to my wife was that piece of halibut was good enough for Jehovah.”
9. Rev Ian Paisley MEP to the Pope in the European Parliament, 1988: “I denounce you as the Antichrist.” Paisley’s website describes the Antichrist as being “a liar, the true son of the father of lies, the original liar from the beginning… he will imitate Christ, a diabolical imitation, Satan transformed into an angel of light, which will deceive the world.”
10. Conor Cruise O’Brien, 1989: “In the last century the Arab thinker Jamal al-Afghani wrote: ‘Every Muslim is sick and his only remedy is in the Koran.’ Unfortunately the sickness gets worse the more the remedy is taken.”
11. Frank Zappa, 1989: “If you want to get together in any exclusive situation and have people love you, fine – but to hang all this desperate sociology on the idea of The Cloud-Guy who has The Big Book, who knows if you’ve been bad or good – and cares about any of it – to hang it all on that, folks, is the chimpanzee part of the brain working.”
12. Salman Rushdie, 1990: “The idea of the sacred is quite simply one of the most conservative notions in any culture, because it seeks to turn other ideas – uncertainty, progress, change – into crimes.” In 1989, Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran issued a fatwa ordering Muslims to kill Rushdie because of blasphemous passages in Rushdie’s novel The Satanic Verses.
13. Bjork, 1995: “I do not believe in religion, but if I had to choose one it would be Buddhism. It seems more livable, closer to men… I’ve been reading about reincarnation, and the Buddhists say we come back as animals and they refer to them as lesser beings. Well, animals aren’t lesser beings, they’re just like us. So I say fuck the Buddhists.”
14. Amanda Donohoe on her role in the Ken Russell movie Lair of the White Worm, 1995: “Spitting on Christ was a great deal of fun. I can’t embrace a male god who has persecuted female sexuality throughout the ages, and that persecution still goes on today all over the world.”
15. George Carlin, 1999: “Religion easily has the greatest bullshit story ever told. Think about it. Religion has actually convinced people that there’s an invisible man living in the sky who watches everything you do, every minute of every day. And the invisible man has a special list of ten things he does not want you to do. And if you do any of these ten things, he has a special place, full of fire and smoke and burning and torture and anguish, where he will send you to live and suffer and burn and choke and scream and cry forever and ever ’til the end of time! But He loves you. He loves you, and He needs money! He always needs money! He’s all-powerful, all-perfect, all-knowing, and all-wise, somehow just can’t handle money! Religion takes in billions of dollars, they pay no taxes, and they always need a little more. Now, talk about a good bullshit story. Holy Shit!”
16. Paul Woodfull as Ding Dong Denny O’Reilly, The Ballad of Jaysus Christ, 2000: “He said me ma’s a virgin and sure no one disagreed, Cause they knew a lad who walks on water’s handy with his feet… Jaysus oh Jaysus, as cool as bleedin’ ice, With all the scrubbers in Israel he could not be enticed, Jaysus oh Jaysus, it’s funny you never rode, Cause it’s you I do be shoutin’ for each time I shoot me load.”
17. Jesus Christ, in Jerry Springer The Opera, 2003: “Actually, I’m a bit gay.” In 2005, the Christian Institute tried to bring a prosecution against the BBC for screening Jerry Springer the Opera, but the UK courts refused to issue a summons.
18. Tim Minchin, Ten-foot Cock and a Few Hundred Virgins, 2005: “So you’re gonna live in paradise, With a ten-foot cock and a few hundred virgins, So you’re gonna sacrifice your life, For a shot at the greener grass, And when the Lord comes down with his shiny rod of judgment, He’s gonna kick my heathen ass.”
19. Richard Dawkins in The God Delusion, 2006: “The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully.” In 2007 Turkish publisher Erol Karaaslan was charged with the crime of insulting believers for publishing a Turkish translation of The God Delusion. He was acquitted in 2008, but another charge was brought in 2009. Karaaslan told the court that “it is a right to criticise religions and beliefs as part of the freedom of thought and expression.”
20. Pope Benedict XVI quoting a 14th century Byzantine emperor, 2006: “Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.” This statement has already led to both outrage and condemnation of the outrage. The Organisation of the Islamic Conference, the world’s largest Muslim body, said it was a “character assassination of the prophet Muhammad”. The Malaysian Prime Minister said that “the Pope must not take lightly the spread of outrage that has been created.” Pakistan’s foreign Ministry spokesperson said that “anyone who describes Islam as a religion as intolerant encourages violence”. The European Commission said that “reactions which are disproportionate and which are tantamount to rejecting freedom of speech are unacceptable.”
21. Christopher Hitchens in God is not Great, 2007: “There is some question as to whether Islam is a separate religion at all… Islam when examined is not much more than a rather obvious and ill-arranged set of plagiarisms, helping itself from earlier books and traditions as occasion appeared to require… It makes immense claims for itself, invokes prostrate submission or ‘surrender’ as a maxim to its adherents, and demands deference and respect from nonbelievers into the bargain. There is nothing-absolutely nothing-in its teachings that can even begin to justify such arrogance and presumption.”
22. PZ Myers, on the Roman Catholic communion host, 2008: “You would not believe how many people are writing to me, insisting that these horrible little crackers (they look like flattened bits of styrofoam) are literally pieces of their god, and that this omnipotent being who created the universe can actually be seriously harmed by some third-rate liberal intellectual at a third-rate university… However, inspired by an old woodcut of Jews stabbing the host, I thought of a simple, quick thing to do: I pierced it with a rusty nail (I hope Jesus’s tetanus shots are up to date). And then I simply threw it in the trash, followed by the classic, decorative items of trash cans everywhere, old coffeegrounds and a banana peel.”
23. Ian O’Doherty, 2009: “(If defamation of religion was illegal) it would be a crime for me to say that the notion of transubstantiation is so ridiculous that even a small child should be able to see the insanity and utter physical impossibility of a piece of bread and some wine somehow taking on corporeal form. It would be a crime for me to say that Islam is a backward desert superstition that has no place in modern, enlightened Europe and it would be a crime to point out that Jewish settlers in Israel who believe they have a God given right to take the land are, frankly, mad. All the above assertions will, no doubt, offend someone or other.”
24. Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, 2009: “Whether a person is atheist or any other, there is in fact in my view something not totally human if they leave out the transcendent… we call it God… I think that if you leave that out you are not fully human.” Because atheism is not a religion, the Irish blasphemy law does not protect atheists from abusive and insulting statements about their fundamental beliefs. While atheists are not seeking such protection, we include the statement here to point out that it is discriminatory that this law does not hold all citizens equal.
25. Dermot Ahern, Irish Minister for Justice, introducing his blasphemy law at an Oireachtas Justice Committee meeting, 2009, and referring to comments made about him personally: “They are blasphemous.” Deputy Pat Rabbitte replied: “Given the Minister’s self-image, it could very well be that we are blaspheming,” and Minister Ahern replied: “Deputy Rabbitte says that I am close to the baby Jesus, I am so pure.” So here we have an Irish Justice Minister joking about himself being blasphemed, at a parliamentary Justice Committee discussing his own blasphemy law, that could make his own jokes illegal.
Finally, as a bonus, Micheal Martin, Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, opposing attempts by Islamic States to make defamation of religion a crime at UN level, 2009: “We believe that the concept of defamation of religion is not consistent with the promotion and protection of human rights. It can be used to justify arbitrary limitations on, or the denial of, freedom of expression. Indeed, Ireland considers that freedom of expression is a key and inherent element in the manifestation of freedom of thought and conscience and as such is complementary to freedom of religion or belief.” Just months after Minister Martin made this comment, his colleague Dermot Ahern introduced Ireland’s new blasphemy law.
Excellent! Congratulations on publishing this. The nonsense that is the Irish blasphemy law is something that belongs in the Dark Ages and must be challenged until it is repealed.
Comment by Alan Henness — January 1, 2010 @ 1:22 am
fantastic!!
Comment by Helen Simmons — January 1, 2010 @ 1:58 am
I see this is an Irish-hosted page. In case I happen to step foot in your country before this law is repealed, I have this to say:
The Catholic religion is bollocks, run by a bunch of grubby old pederasts who have no clue about the real world. They would be better off wiped from the face of the earth, along with their gold, their monuments, and their ridiculous, shameful, medieval dogma.
and:
God is dead.
Thank you.
Timothy Paul Singer, resident of Murfreesboro, TN, USA
Comment by Timothy Singer — January 1, 2010 @ 2:09 am
The “virgin” Mary was so-called because she preferred to take it up the ass when she partied with the shepherds of Judea. Joseph was well aware of this, in fact it was this reputation that attracted him to her. Hence his surprise when she got pregnant. Apparently it was easier to believe the child was the son of God than that some of Joseph’s jizz had dribbled into Mary’s blessed vagina after he pulled out of her ass.
Comment by dave — January 1, 2010 @ 2:17 am
Jesus was a lying bastard son of a whore!
Comment by Cyberguy — January 1, 2010 @ 2:40 am
I deny the holy spirit!
Comment by Kamlem — January 1, 2010 @ 2:43 am
If I can’t say anything mean about God then they can’t say anything mean about my imaginary friends.
Comment by anonymouse — January 1, 2010 @ 2:46 am
Please oh tell me please where can I write to to make a really out there blasphmey remark ….the 25 listed are far to tame….lets really make a clear passage that calls a spade a spade ….don’t care which faith you pick although I must admit I am partial to giving it to the German sheppard Benny….
I wonder what it will take …how far will we have to go before this gets to court ….if it goes to court I will travel Ireland just to see the trial….it cannot happen soon enough for me…..BRING IT ON !!!!…If it gets to TV it will be better than the world cup final !! …….YAHOOOO
Comment by Dave — January 1, 2010 @ 2:55 am
JEHOVAH!
Comment by bruceo — January 1, 2010 @ 3:06 am
Read this and weep; for shame that a modern state like Ireland could pass such a mediæval law, and for joy that there are people brave enough to stand up and cry “Enough!”
We should be allowed to defend our beliefs; and that means that others must be allowed to attack them. For it is in defending our beliefs that we hone and define them.
Otherwise I plan to go home to Cork and sue everyone who claims that the FSM does not exist or is a parody.
Comment by Tigger_the_Wing — January 1, 2010 @ 3:32 am
Destroy this law.
Destroy the stupidity that blasphemy is a crime.
Faith is no reason!
Comment by Colin W Hughes — January 1, 2010 @ 3:38 am
The Flying Spaghetti Monster is mushy and clearly overcooked.
Comment by Hughes — January 1, 2010 @ 3:43 am
I demand that this Sunday, all bishops of the Catholic Church in Ireland be arrested at Mass for blaspheming by violating the word of God:
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:5-8)
And just in case I decide to pay a visit to Ireland: fuck Jesus, Yahweh, Danu, Mohammed, Xenu, Wotan, and any other deities or prophets people follow in Ireland.
– William Rubenstein, of San Francisco, CA, USA
(I hope you wrote that down, Irish customs authorities!)
Comment by wlrube — January 1, 2010 @ 3:46 am
why was Jesus a lucky guy?
-cuz he got nailed three times in one night!
Why could jesus walk on water?
-Cuz bullshit floats
Why does Jesus make a bad hockey player?
- He keeps on getting nailed to the boards
Whats the difference between a priest and a pimple?
-the pimple waits until your 13 to come on your face!
a priest, a rapist, and a pedophile walk into a bar…
-no punch line because its all one guy
Comment by cranberry — January 1, 2010 @ 4:08 am
Nothing from Ingersoll? Come on!
“How has the church in every age, when in authority, defended itself? Always by a statute against blasphemy, against argument, against free speech. And there never was such a statute that did not stain the book that it was in and that did not certify to the savagery of the men who passed it.”
– Robert G. Ingersoll
Keep up the good fight!
Comment by kris — January 1, 2010 @ 4:19 am
As an Irishman, let me say this, “Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and every other form of faith based religious belief is the result in the faith of dogma, delusion, idiocy and fantasy. Any rational human being who puts blind faith in the unknowable is an inherently deluded and foolish dreamer, and any law that tries to protect enlightened and logical criticism from piercing the sanctity of religious delusion has no place in Ireland in the 21’st century. Furthermore, whichever law makers who shit this law into motion should be laughed off the island of Ireland and treated like the stupid morons that they are.”
Come and get me, you stupid fucks.
Comment by Nick — January 1, 2010 @ 4:20 am
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again:
If your religion is incompatible with free speech, the problem isn’t with free speech.
Comment by Raven — January 1, 2010 @ 4:21 am
I am quite disturbed by these developments, it seems the civilized world truly is at its end…
I do wonder though, what manner of poor education serves Ireland that such a law could still come to pass?
Comment by Anon — January 1, 2010 @ 4:41 am
@ Nick
But the problem is they already made it happen, and you’ll be in jail…
Anyone else feeling suicidal? Oo
Comment by Anon — January 1, 2010 @ 4:43 am
[...] Norte, entrou há poucas horas em vigor a nova lei da blasfémia na Irlanda. E os nossos colegas irlandeses já se encarregaram de ser os primeiros a prevaricar, convidando o resto da malta a [...]
Pingback by O primeiro post da década | Portal Ateu — January 1, 2010 @ 4:48 am
If there were a god as described in the bible I would place him on trial for crimes against humanity. Oh, and by the way, I don’t believe I’m guilty of blasphemy saying this as there is nothing to blaspheme against.
Neil H.
Ex-Fundie, Astronomer, Freethinker, Atheist
Whitby, Ontario
Comment by Neil H. — January 1, 2010 @ 5:43 am
¡Me cago en los veinticuatro cojones de los apóstolos de jesus!
Comment by jefe — January 1, 2010 @ 5:54 am
ok, how’s this:
The Flying Spaghetti Monster has shriveled balls!
Too bad I’m not in .ie
Comment by Jerry — January 1, 2010 @ 6:08 am
Can I suggest making a print friendly version?
Use this subject to highlight the need to remove the church’s control of 95% of primary schools.
Comment by Brian — January 1, 2010 @ 6:10 am
¡Me cago en la puta virgen!
Comment by jefe — January 1, 2010 @ 6:53 am
Muhammed (piss be upon him) blows gay camels!
Comment by jefe — January 1, 2010 @ 6:53 am
No Surrealist quotes? For shame. Definitely needs some Georges Bataille, Benjamin Peret, or Antonin Artaud Also needs more Marquis de Sade or Charles Baudelaire.
And this lovely passage:
“And so, one day, tired of trudging along the steep path on this earthly journey, trudging along like a drunkard through the dark catacombs of life, I slowly raised my splenetic eyes, ringed with bluish circles, towards the concavity of the firmament and I, who was so young, dared to penetrate the mysteries of heaven! Not finding what I was seeking, I lifted my eyes higher, and higher still, until I saw a throne made of human excrement and gold, on which was sitting – with idiotic pride, his body draped in a shroud of unwashed hospital linen – he who calls himself the Creator! He was holding in his hand the rotten body of a dead man, carrying it in turn from his eyes to his nose and from his nose to his mouth; and once it reached his mouth, one can guess what he did with it. His feet were dipped in a huge pool of boiling blood, on the surface of which two or three cautious heads would suddenly rise up like tapeworms in a chamber-pot, and as suddenly submerge again, swift as an arrow. A kick on the bone of the nose was the familiar reward for any infringement of regulations occasioned by the need to breathe a different atmosphere; for, after all, these men were not fish. Though amphibious at best, they were swimming underwater in this vile liquid!…until, finding his hands empty, the Creator with the first two claws of his foot, would grab another diver by the neck, as with pincers, and lift him into the air, out of the reddish slime, delicious sauce. And this one was treated in the same way as his predecessor. First he ate his head, then his legs and arms, and last of all, the trunk, until there was nothing left; for he crunched the bones as well. And so it continues, for all the hours of eternity. Sometimes, he would shout: “I created you, so I have the right to do whatever I like to you. You have done nothing to me, I do not deny it. I am making you suffer for my own pleasure.” And he would continue his savage meal, moving his lower jaw, which in turn moved his brain-bespattered beard.
-Comte de Lautreamont (Isidore Ducasse), ‘Les Chants de Maldoror’ (translation by Alexis Lykiard)
Comment by Cernunnos Trismegistus — January 1, 2010 @ 7:13 am
We in the United States are overrun by the willfully ignorant and the deluded, but I’m afraid your legislators have surpassed even our level of stupidity. It’s surprising that any modern country could pass such a foul law. I am truly sad for the people of Ireland.
Comment by John the Aggravator — January 1, 2010 @ 7:14 am
If a deity has a problem with what is being said or printed, let the spineless bastard unequivocally speak for itself.
Comment by Denise — January 1, 2010 @ 7:53 am
If Jesus is the answer, … could you please repeat the question?
Comment by Daniel McCoy — January 1, 2010 @ 8:01 am
Thomas Jefferson:
“…our civil rights have no dependence on our religious opinions, any more than our opinions in physics or geometry; that therefore the proscribing any citizen as unworthy the public confidence by laying upon him an incapacity of being called to offices of trust and emolument, unless he profess or renounce this or that religious opinion, is depriving him injuriously of those privileges and advantages to which in common with his fellow-citizens he has a natural right. …”
Jefferson also edited his own version of the new testament story of Jesus, which ended like so:
“Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus,
And rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.”
The end.
Comment by Daniel McCoy — January 1, 2010 @ 8:13 am
Great collection of quotes, thank you very much. I’ve tweeted it on (from @omaniblog) saying that even if you’re not an atheist, it is a useful collection.
Hopefully we’ll see a serious prosecution all the way to the highest court in Ireland.
Comment by Paul O'Mahony (Cork) — January 1, 2010 @ 8:36 am
So Ireland is taking a plunge back into the Dark Ages.
Not that the Irish ever fully got out of same Dark Ages with the RCC of Paedophilia as a revered institution. Good clergy is at its best as shark bait!
Comment by shonny — January 1, 2010 @ 9:24 am
[...] Atheist Ireland Publishes 25 Blasphemous Quotes Posted on January 1st, 2010 by Jason Below is a repost from blasphemy.ie [...]
Pingback by Atheist Ireland Publishes 25 Blasphemous Quotes « Mid-west Humanists – An Irish Atheist Community — January 1, 2010 @ 10:00 am
Just submitted some blasphemy to David Quinn’s blog at The Irish Catholic.
Can’t say I expect a Euro extradition warrant to get me when I don’t pay the fine , which I doubt I’ll get.
My comment not yet published , but maybe sending it to Mr. Quinn will be enough.
Your courts will be gridlocked.
PB – England.
Comment by PB — January 1, 2010 @ 10:03 am
[...] From the Blasphemy.ie website: [...]
Pingback by John Mortell’s blog :: Blasphemy is now a crime in Ireland… — January 1, 2010 @ 10:48 am
[...] From the Blasphemy.ie website: [...]
Pingback by John Mortell’s blog — January 1, 2010 @ 10:50 am
[...] leave a comment » Blasphemy is now a crime punishable by a €25,000 fine. The new law defines blasphemy as publishing or uttering matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion… Read more… [...]
Pingback by The new Irish blasphemy law becomes operational « Eye on Religion — January 1, 2010 @ 10:57 am
Howzabout some Usenet classic from alt.tasteless?
“I shit on your filthy christ”
Comment by Smitty GinchyTrousers III — January 1, 2010 @ 11:06 am
blasphemy law? surely that’s against my human rights? no? well then, come and get me.
fuck your god, fuck your church, fuck your pathetic childish beliefs, fuck your peadophile, mysogynistic, homophobic, warmongering prophet, fuck your re-incarnation bollocks, fuck your holy days, and fuck your outdated stupid law.
Comment by g. martin-royle — January 1, 2010 @ 11:51 am
Not having seen the language of the new law I am left wondering how it defines the actions that cause offence. I assume that, since this is a blasphemy law, it says something like “to utter or to write”. On the other hand, it could be broader – “to undertake any action”. If it is broader, it should be pointed out that there are plenty of religious people who find the mere existence of atheists outrageous. If so, atheists could perhaps be prosecuted for their existence. Even if that is too much of a stretch, surely many theists find its outrageous that many atheists are willing to publicly state that they are nonbelievers. Indeed, I expect that many theists find it outrageous that there are people who are willing to state their disbelief in their particular god, even if those people do happen to believe in some other deity. This makes it potentially possible to prosecute everyone, since everyone does not believe in somebody else’s god.
Comment by Konrad Talmont-Kaminski — January 1, 2010 @ 11:51 am
The Scientologists are outraged by the things that psychologists say, BTW. A quick and easy revenue stream right there.
Comment by Konrad Talmont-Kaminski — January 1, 2010 @ 11:53 am
Bugger God.
Comment by Joe Fogey — January 1, 2010 @ 11:56 am
OK, found the relevant passage in the Bill, I think. “Publishes or utters blasphemous matter” is the phrase. So, it is the narrower definition. The definition of blasphemy has three parts that must all be satisfied, also. Do people know where to find a good discussion of the details of this law?
Comment by Konrad Talmont-Kaminski — January 1, 2010 @ 12:01 pm
They’re asking for a donkey trial of their very own!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerard_Reve#Controversies
Yes, this guy wrote about having been visited by God in the form of a donkey, having intercourse with the donkey, got acquitted. The prosecutors didn’t have a political career anymore afterwards.
Nowadays, whenever a blasfemy trial is suggested in Holland, someone just sniggers “donkey trial”, and that’s the end of the matter.
Comment by smallcatharine — January 1, 2010 @ 12:03 pm
I find it hard to know what a religious person may consider to be blasphemy, but probably The Law of Freedom in a Platform by Gerrard Winstanley is full of it, although he uses the religious language of the day to make his case. (See online text at http://www.bilderberg.org/land/lawofree.htm!]) He had very pointed things to say about the role of priests in preserving their own function and the established order which seem pertinent to this issue:
For so long as the people call that a truth which they call a truth, and believe what they preach, and are willing to let the clergy be the keepers of their eyes and knowledge (that is as much as Nahash did, put out their eyes to see by theirs); then all is well, and they tell the people they shall go to heaven.
But if the eyes of the people begin to open, and they seek to find knowledge in their own hearts and to question the ministers’ doctrine, and become like unto wise-hearted Thomas, to believe nothing but what they see reason for:
Then do the minsters prepare war against that man or men, and will make no covenant of peace with him till they consent to have their right eyes put out, that is, to have their reason blinded, so as to believe every doctrine they preach and never question any thing, saying, ‘The doctrine of faith must not be tried by reason.’ No, for if it be, their mystery of iniquity will be discovered, and they would lose their tithes.
Comment by Paul — January 1, 2010 @ 12:17 pm
Just a note of support to you guys from across the Irish Sea.
I see that one of the people you quote will be visiting Ireland shortly. As he says in his blog, that could be interesting.
http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2009/12/uh-oh_you_people_will_bail_me.php
Comment by David B — January 1, 2010 @ 12:18 pm
Tis a shame to be shur, no mor can we curse when we stub me toe!
Fuck me jeesus, Mohammed, Mary mother, christ dat takes it up the arse.
What has the world come to?
I did not know Ireland had Ragheads? The whole world is going to Shiate,
We need to bring out a new brand of toilet paper.
Athiest Double Ply, made from the Koran and the Bible and start wiping our arses with it.
I feel yur pain Ireland.
Comment by Mr.Haywood Jablome — January 1, 2010 @ 12:24 pm
Galileo was found “vehemently suspect of heresy,” namely of having held the opinions that the Sun lies motionless at the centre of the universe, that the Earth is not at its centre and moves, and that one may hold and defend an opinion as probable after it has been declared contrary to Holy Scripture. He was required to “abjure, curse and detest” those opinions.
He was ordered imprisoned; the sentence was later commuted to house arrest.
Comment by jj — January 1, 2010 @ 12:25 pm
If I don’t believe in your god, do I still have to roast in your hell?
Here is some blaspheme for you.
Jesus and god can take a great big lick off of my shi**y ass.
Amen.
Please don’t put me in your Irish blaspheme jail, please.
Comment by Terry, Winslow, AZ — January 1, 2010 @ 12:25 pm
[...] you run a website, blog or other media publication, please feel free to republish this statement and the list of quotes yourself, in order to show your support for the campaign to repeal the Irish [...]
Pingback by Blasphemy, blasphemy, could it now mean a blast for me… | The Botheration Log — January 1, 2010 @ 12:26 pm
[...] Atheist Ireland Publishes 25 Blasphemous Quotes [...]
Pingback by Happy New Censorship! « League of Reason — January 1, 2010 @ 12:29 pm
This law is absurd and unrealistic. I find it amazing that it ever got passed in the first place.
Comment by Kristian — January 1, 2010 @ 12:31 pm
[...] Careful what you say in Ireland… - (tip to pharyngula) [...]
Pingback by New Years Links « freecloud — January 1, 2010 @ 12:31 pm
You can say all you want about that whore Mary who got pregnant before she was married or her “confirmed bachelor” son…but don’t you DARE say anything bad about the Flying Spaghetti Monster [PBUH]
Comment by Pam Ellis — January 1, 2010 @ 12:36 pm
Wait, I forgot to make a likeness of Mohammad, just so the Islamists can go batshit.
O
- -
| <——– FuckStick Mohammad
|
- -
Comment by George — January 1, 2010 @ 12:41 pm
“”Do you believe in God, doctor?”
“No – but what does that really mean? I’m fumbling in the dark, struggling to make something out. But I’ve long ceased finding that original.”"
— Albert Camus (The Plague)
This “law” probably stems from some self asserting virtue and fear of some bearded fascists who happen from time to time to threaten the free minded ones.
Comment by JC — January 1, 2010 @ 12:48 pm
“God is not needed to create guilt or to punish. Our fellow men suffice, aided by ourselves. You were speaking of the Last Judgement. Allow me to laugh respectfully. I shall wait for it resolutely, for I have known what is worse, the judgement of men. For them, no extenuating circumstances; even the good intention is ascribed to crime. Have you at least heard of the spitting cell, which a nation recently thought up to prove itself the greatest on earth? A walled-up box in which the prisoner can stand without moving. The solid door that locks him in the cement shell stops at chin level. Hence only his face is visible, and every passing jailer spits copiously on it. The prisoner, wedged into his cell, cannot wipe his face, though he is allowed, it is true. to close his eyes. Well, that, mon cher, is a human invention. They didn’t need God for that little masterpiece.”
— Albert Camus (The Fall)
Comment by JC — January 1, 2010 @ 12:49 pm
I feel that this story is a bit biased…. wow.
Comment by HappyPanda — January 1, 2010 @ 12:55 pm
And, honestly…. a little insulting…
Comment by HappyPanda — January 1, 2010 @ 12:56 pm
I appreciate the initiative, but is this list needs more work, there are far more incendiary commentaries which need to be included; to show the true backwardness and absurdity of religion, far more serious verbal bitch-slapping is required.
Comment by Paul — January 1, 2010 @ 12:58 pm
Is this the ultimate Irish Joke ?
Religion (yes, all of them) sucks – sucks the life out of otherwise thinking, reasoning people.
I blaspheme against the idiotic idea of supernatural beings and those that knowing perpetrate these falsehoods, but feel only pity for the victims.
Ireland punishers those who criticise ideas and lets child molesting organisations and individuals walk free.
Somehow, that seems the greater crime.
Comment by Mike from Melbourne — January 1, 2010 @ 12:58 pm
The Holy Ghost blows goats…
…and enjoys it.
Comment by Damien Trotter — January 1, 2010 @ 12:58 pm
A quote from one of Éire’s most famous sons:
“Imagine there’s no heaven. It’s easy if you try.”
Comment by Hans — January 1, 2010 @ 12:59 pm
Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is now on the Leaving Cert Curriculum. Can students be prosecuted if they use quotes in exam answers?
Comment by Robin Hanan — January 1, 2010 @ 1:00 pm
The only ones that have a problem with the new blasphemy laws are those they can’t understand and accept a place in formalised religion.
You can always leave the country if you have a problem with the laws of the land.
“The devil can cite script for his own end” – Shylock (Merchant of Venice)
Comment by Hansel — January 1, 2010 @ 1:08 pm
I think the morons who thought up this idiotic law have no idea of the Pandora’s box they have opened.
“We have more Gods than you can shake a stick at. Godchecker’s Mythology Encyclopedia currently features over 2,850 deities.”
http://www.godchecker.com/
This could be lots of fun, think of all the possibilities for blasphemy and consequent legal action.
Is there perchance a publicly traded Irish Law firm that might litigate these cases? I’d like to buy some stock now while the price is low. We are going to be rich! Well if nothing else, infinitely rich in possibilities for ridicule. LOL!
Comment by Fred Magyar — January 1, 2010 @ 1:22 pm
“Is that a good Christ, says Bob Doran, to take away poor little Willy Dignam?
Ah, well, says Alf, trying to pass it off. He’s over all his troubles.
But Bob Doran shouts out of him.
He’s a bloody ruffian I say, to take away poor little Willy Dignam.”
James Joyce, Ulysses
Comment by Robin Hanan — January 1, 2010 @ 1:24 pm
Jesus fucking Mohammed fucking Vishnu fucking Xenu. It’s the four-way-fuck of faith!
Comment by dave — January 1, 2010 @ 1:35 pm
Anyone with a legal knowledge read the piece of legislation that was passed? Surely there is some way it can be challenged? Something this ridiculous and dangerous shouldn’t just be ignored.
Comment by Jim — January 1, 2010 @ 1:42 pm
I’m okay with Jesus, it’s his ‘followers’ I can’t stand.
Comment by Michael K. — January 1, 2010 @ 1:49 pm
Why can’t we all just get along?
I mean Holy Hajib Batman.
Mohummed looks down upon the Justice League building and see’s Wonder Woman, naked as the day she was born sun baking. Her huge amazonian breasts glistening in the golden light. She moans softly, her eyes closed. She’s sexually aroused. Mohummed licks his lips, “She’s a little old but Shiate, I’ll have a chop at her persian forrest!” He jumps on board and humps away screaming Allah Ackbad, Allah Ackbad Take my mighty Choad and three hairy balls you Amazonian Infidel. Spills his load and quick as a flash disappears. Wonder Woman sits up startled? What the FUCK was that?
The invisible man ontop of hee materialises “I don’t know but my arse is killing me”
Comment by Mr.Mike Litoris — January 1, 2010 @ 1:51 pm
Mallacht mo chait orthu go leir mar dheithe.
Comment by washingtonian — January 1, 2010 @ 1:59 pm
When did the irish become puppets of American evangelisism? It’s good to see that every country can be bought by dollars. I guess? (i grew up where money counts, not education or spelling) I like mark Twain though and franz kafka and James dickey and on the weekends a tad bit of Hemmingway. Hey kids, check out Maka (velly?) something the next time you guys start writing laws and stuff. He’s kind of a cool guy, ‘cept he is evil they say, but probably not blas fe mus. Hell, I cant even spell that word. Thank God there (they’re?) are people out their that no what that word means. Greetings and good from capitol Lobbyiest (that means we will “vote” for your cause if you pay us:))
Comment by bull winkle — January 1, 2010 @ 2:04 pm
I thought no: 72 was a real hoot.
God Bless you All
Comment by Mr.I P Freely - Inurbed — January 1, 2010 @ 2:09 pm
I visited the Republic seven years ago and want to return. But how can I and feel safe with the government’s thought gestapo on every corner? Given the disgrace the entire RCC and its leadership at all levels have brought to Ireland, I can see why the RCC wants blasphemous laws.
If I should ever afford to return to Ireland I won’t. Scotland is just a little further east and centuries ahead of Ireland.
Comment by John Norris — January 1, 2010 @ 2:09 pm
Interesting law…
How does it work? When a catholic priest claims that Jesus is the son of god, can the priest be accused of blasphemy by a rabbi? And when a Hindu prays to several gods is this not blasphemy from the Islamic viewpoint?
Comment by einar — January 1, 2010 @ 2:10 pm
“the criminal law should protect people and not ideas”
Isn’t the laws for free speech a way to protect the idea of democracy?
Comment by Joakim Rosqvist — January 1, 2010 @ 2:13 pm
Is this the end for O’Casey’s “Juno and the Paycock”? “Captain” Jack Boyle’s poem says,
“He was not what some call pious – seldom at church or prayer;
For the greatest scoundrels I know, sir, goes every Sunday there.”
This is offensive to the lord’s flock. But maybe it could be performed in “heathen” England.
Comment by michael mcguire — January 1, 2010 @ 2:14 pm
I would love to be a litigation lawyer in Ireland.
They will make a mint out of this law.
I hope the Pakis fail in their efforts to bring this in at the UN.
Allah help us all.
Even Allah can take a joke right?
Comment by Mohamma Dumadingdong — January 1, 2010 @ 2:24 pm
Quote 66:
“You can always leave the country if you have a problem with the laws of the land.”
What a dismal state the world would be in if everyone just ran away from unjust laws instead of staying to face them down and get them changed.
You seem to be implying that only the non religious have anything to fear from this stupid law. Do you believe this to be the case in spite of the fact that the 25 quotes have been carefully selected to include those that involve religions blaspheming against each other?
I do not need to run away as I live in the UK where an unenforcable blasphemy law has been in place for most of my life and has only recently been abolished.
Comment by Stonyground — January 1, 2010 @ 2:35 pm
This is so incredibly sad. I hope you manage to boycott the ridiculous law to oblivion – it’s mindbogglingly stupid that there was a single person in your government that allowed it to be passed.
Comment by Kodi — January 1, 2010 @ 2:36 pm
Being a Half Irish Half Aboriginal Aussie I can say this sucks balls Mate. Any you fucks have somthing to say about the Rainbow Serpeant ….well go right ahead.
Was not born with a stick up my ass.
Cheers Mate!!
Lepra Coon (outback, NT Australia)
Comment by Lepra Coon — January 1, 2010 @ 2:49 pm
Anyone who believes in any sort of god is a complete and utter moron.
Comment by Anachrist — January 1, 2010 @ 2:51 pm
Pam (#55), thou dost blaspheme against the great and powerful FSM: the proper thing to say when invoking His holy name is “Sauce Be Upon Him” (SBUH).
Comment by jefe — January 1, 2010 @ 3:02 pm
Everyone should use this occasion to create an International Blasphemy Day! This law is garbage and shouldn’t be taken serious. People should continue to blaspheme, and do everything they can to flout this law. Don’t pay the fines. Hunger strike if arrested. Freedom of speech is important. There is no “freedom to not be offended.”
Comment by Darius Thomson — January 1, 2010 @ 3:09 pm
#74 – bull winkle
Living here in the US I can assure you that there is no limit in our ability to outrage and insult Christians. It happens all the time, and it doesn’t take much effort. There’s absolutely no campaign I’m aware of on their part to create any draconian law of this sort, as it is unconstitutional to our 1st Constitutional Amendment. The Muslims, however… …to blaspheme them or their God can get you into trouble; lawsuits, harassment, threats, news stories suggesting a racist agenda. There’s a double-standard here for them.
Comment by Darius Thomson — January 1, 2010 @ 3:15 pm
This is the kinda thing that really pisses me off and I’ve had a helluva week.
Comment by Charlie Sheen — January 1, 2010 @ 3:16 pm
#85 – jefe
Well, P can stand for Prego or pesto.
rAmen
Comment by Pam Ellis — January 1, 2010 @ 3:24 pm
Now I believe in this and its been tested by research, that he who fucks nuns will later join the church.
Comment by Col — January 1, 2010 @ 3:27 pm
Fuck God, fuck Allah, fuck Yahweh, fuck Jesus Christ, fuck Mary, fuck the Pope, fuck Mohammed – that evil child-molesting louse – and fuck every single imbecile who believes in, worships or reveres any of these individuals, real or imaginary.
Comment by Jack Rawlinson — January 1, 2010 @ 3:44 pm
@Stonyground you live in the UK.. I find it strange how you take an interest in a minor Irish Law…and yet you as a nation stand idly by as one of your own is unjustly executed in China… Great to see priorities here..
Comment by Hansel — January 1, 2010 @ 3:48 pm
bull winkle >>> The problem isn’t American Evangelism (which is a problem), it is virulent political correctness that holds such a death grip over Europe. These blasphemy laws aren’t in place to protect Christian sensibilities, Christians are for the most part used to hearing their religion mocked, but rather to protect Muslim sensibilities. I am not defending religion, I think the world would ultimately be a much better place without it. The Irish and Europeans in general need to grow a set of balls. People need to realize that protection against religious discrimination is one thing, but protection from being “offended” is something completely different.
Comment by Kopernikas — January 1, 2010 @ 3:49 pm
“Anyone that believes in any form of god is moron”
Well said.. now back with your tail between your legs under the table of the secular state…
Comment by Hansel — January 1, 2010 @ 3:50 pm
Response to Nick #16.. 01/01/2010 4:20 AM
Thank you for the brilliant clarity of your summation. “… the faith of … delusion…”
Dead center bullseye.
And think, THINK, for the love of all things lost, how much suffering– in every country on every continent– has been inspired by these carefully crafted delusions!! MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS of human lives have been snuffed through the centuries, not because of anything tangible and meaningful, but in the name of delusional IDEAS about the invisible and unprovable.
It’s aSTONishing. Electrochemical processes buzzing inside the heads of certain key delusionals throughout history have tangled and confused and destroyed what could otherwise have been a pleasant humanity.
Human beings’ supposedly greatest asset– the lauded ability to think– has been responsible for so much that is good and wonderful. But also, by FAR, the most destructive force on Earth.
The great jester/philosopher George Carlin expressed so much in these words late in life: “I sort of gave up on this whole human adventure a long time ago, divorced myself from it emotionally… I think the human race has squandered its gift…”
Comment by Maxblitz — January 1, 2010 @ 3:56 pm
I find anytime we talk about religion or politics it ends up in an argument ,fight or war. I never discuss my ideas on those subjects.
Comment by Don — January 1, 2010 @ 3:57 pm
Looks like Ireland is off my places to visit for a while…
Comment by Bob — January 1, 2010 @ 4:00 pm
Thank god I’m an atheist.
Comment by colin kirby — January 1, 2010 @ 4:01 pm
Always wanted to take a vacation to Ireland. As an atheist I would have to think twice about it now.
Comment by Brandon — January 1, 2010 @ 4:13 pm
God does not exist. It is just a fantasy of your imaginations.
The blasphemy of the day :
GOD IS A MORON.
Comment by Adam from Paris, France — January 1, 2010 @ 4:22 pm
@commenter 49
The sun is not motionless at the centre of the universe. It may be motionless at the centre of the solar system, but that is another matter.
@blasphemy.ie
Good on you for digging out the comments in the main post. Check out: http://bullsxvi.blogspot.com/2009/05/national-blasphemy-day.html
Comment by Póló — January 1, 2010 @ 4:22 pm
The Minister of medieval mythology has really put the mental into fundamental and taken out the fun out of it with this paddywhackery legislation,which shower of ignorant religious fascists was he pandering to? Has to be either the Christian or Islamic crackpots,they both make me sick.
Comment by tony fitz — January 1, 2010 @ 4:27 pm
Great stuff. Hit back. Burn the religio crazies. What we need to do is post blasphemous comments everywhere. On our own websites. Facebook, Twitter, anywhere you can tap out blasphemy. Not just in Ireland. The world over. Do something like the Rage Against The Machine For Xmas Number 1. Get hundreds of thousands of people around the globe blaspheming EVERY DAY for a month.
Comment by Jimmy Lee Shreeve — January 1, 2010 @ 4:35 pm
Actually, can I sue someone for eating spaghetti because I am a follower of FSM? Can my friend sue me for eating beef because the cow is sacred to him? And how dare you talk about science in negative manner? I think everyone should start suing like crazy because a lot of things said and done are offensive, if you think about it. Rediculous.
PS: Oops, do I get sued for saying rediculous to the law?
Comment by AAB — January 1, 2010 @ 4:41 pm
Other great quotes from music:
Voltaire (the singer)
God Thinks
God thinks all blacks are obsolete farm equipment
God thinks the Jews killed his son and must be punished
God thinks the white man is Satan
God, they know what God thinks
God thinks we should all convert to Judaism
God thinks we must all be Christians and
God thinks we should all embrace Islam
God thinks the only true religion is Hinduism
And I
I know what God thinks
God thinks you’re a waste of flesh
God prefers an Atheist
God God
God thinks all people like you are hateful
God thinks all people like you are an embarrassment to creation
self-righteous, judgmental, first to throw a stone
and using His name for your own protection
God thinks the sun revolves around the Earth
God thinks there was something very wrong with Copernicus
God thinks abortion is murder and
God thinks everything that science gave us is wrong
God thinks women deserve it
God thinks AIDS is a form of punishment
I hate people who blame the Devil for their own shortcomings and
I hate people who thank God when things go right
And I
I know what God thinks
God thinks you’re an idiot
God prefers a heretic
God God
God thinks all people like you are hateful
God thinks all people like you are an embarrassment to creation
self-righteous, judgmental, first to throw the stone
and using His name for your own agenda
God is a liberal
God is a democrat
God wants you to vote republican
never trust a man who puts his words in the mouth of god
and says it’s absolute truth
its lies and it smells like death
its all in a day’s work taking money from the poor
Why do you think that God would need your dirty money
if He wants to start a holy war?
self-righteous, judgmental, first to throw a stone
and using His name for your own protection
And the classic:
XTC
Dear God
I won’t believe in heaven and hell. No saints, no sinners, no
Devil as well. No pearly gates, no thorny crown. You’re always
Letting us humans down. The wars you bring, the babes you
Drown. Those lost at sea and never found, and it’s the same the
Whole world ’round. The hurt I see helps to compound that
Father, Son and Holy Ghost is just somebody’s unholy hoax,
And if you’re up there you’d perceive that my heart’s here upon
My sleeve. If there’s one thing I don’t believe in
It’s you….
Comment by MusicFan — January 1, 2010 @ 4:48 pm
We Canadians thought that Ireland was the model beacon of modern thinking and innovation – when did you revert back to the Dark Ages. I beginning to think it’s true – Charlemagne and Roland stopped the Muslims in the Dark Ages and prevented Europe from becoming a slum – but now they are taking it over by their numbers. The world was a better place for having Europe as it was in the past – the world will suffer from having an islamic Europe.
Comment by jo.arjee — January 1, 2010 @ 5:01 pm
Mah Gawd is gonna kee-yull ya fer talkin’ like thet, then He’s gonna thuh-row ya in a lake o’ boilin’ snot an’ set in ta pullin’ a endless trotline outa yore ass.
Gawd is LOVE!
Sincerely,
Cletus J. Dimbulb
Comment by wwcd — January 1, 2010 @ 5:10 pm
When you claim to believe in an imaginary friend who loves everyone and wants to condemn others to eternal torture and torment, you deserve to be laughed at and ridiculed. Religion is the root of all evil.
I live in Birmingham, AL, USA. Come and get me. I’ve always wanted to see Ireland.
Comment by CLSteadham — January 1, 2010 @ 5:37 pm
Take your Jesus and Mary and shove it up your ass.
There is no hell or heaven when it comes our time to pass.
It’s just a Bronze Age mythology,
Read some Darwin and biology.
So take your God damn religion and shove it up your ass.
Take your “praise be to Allah” and shove it up your ass.
Mohammad is a molester that rapped Aisha when a lass.
It’s just a bronze age mythology.
Read some Darwin and biology.
So take your God damn Allah akbar and shove it up your ass.
Take your “baruch atah Adonai” and shove it up your ass.
Jehovah is a God damn prick who slaughters innocents en masse.
It’s just a bronze age mythology,
Mixed with goat-herding astrology.
So take your God damn Adonai and shove it up your ass.
Take your Xenu volcano souls and shove them up your ass.
To believe this L. Ron Hubbard crap you must be smoking grass.
It’s just an age old scam,
To make money for a man.
So take your God damn Dianetics and shove it up your ass.
Take your Prophet Joseph Smith and shove him up your ass.
Should be called the Book of Moron at the Church of LDS.
It’s just a creative plan
To screw women as a holy man
So take your God damn golden plates and shove them up your ass.
Take all your God damn religions and shove them up your ass.
All your gods are delusions, idiotic and quite crass.
How ‘bout some rationality,
To free your mind of pious brutality
Take all your God damn religions and shove them up your ass.
-Scot Rafkin
Comment by Scot Rafkin — January 1, 2010 @ 6:20 pm
‘Jesus is a trick on niggers’ – Flannery O’Connor, ‘Wise Blood’
And there’s a lot of ‘white niggers’ in the Bible Belt…
Stuff your Christ!
Comment by All-Father Odin — January 1, 2010 @ 6:26 pm
I wanted to make a concise point here about the policies of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC). The RCC is known to fight off relativism and materialism. But consider this:
1/ How can a belief in a paradise after death where all your wishes be granted not be considered as a form of pure unadulterated materialism? What do believers wish for in their prayers if not for material things? Why does the RCC strive so much for temporal power if it villifies materialism?
2/ How on earth can the RCC criticize relativism when it has changed its stance on various matters throughout history after sceptics have shown their positions to be entirely untenable. Confer for instance the case Galileo. Isn’t the RCC itself prone to relativism? What happened to her once so absolute standards?
I have only one thing to add and that is that the RCC is the most hypocritical organisation that has ever been in existance. Fuck the RCC!
Comment by Raskolnikov — January 1, 2010 @ 6:37 pm
I think we should take the initiative on filing a lawsuit. Christianity has at its core that the other faiths are false heathens and doomed for forsaking their savior. Islam, similarly says they are the only path to heaven and that disrespecting their prophet or simply disbelieving in him is deeply disrespectful and should be stopped by whatever means necessary. We’ll ignore other major religions to save time, but you get the point.
According to this law, all Christians, for the crime of disbelieving Islam and Mohammad, are offensive and should be fined. Of course Islam is also guilty of blaspheming against all of Christianity by flatly denying that Christ is God, deeming, under law, that they should also each individually pay a fine.
All money from fines of course should be donated to The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. The only true Creator.
Comment by Adam, KY, USA — January 1, 2010 @ 6:54 pm
Well done. This law is a throwback, and a primitive attempt to patronise minorities who don’t need it. If you believe, you may feel free to be offended by my opinions. In fact, feel free to offend mine in return, if you can!
Comment by LynnD — January 1, 2010 @ 6:56 pm
[...] Just months after Minister Martin made this comment, his colleague Dermot Ahern introduced Ireland’s new blasphemy law, which defines blasphemy as publishing or uttering matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby intentionally causing outrage among a substantial number of adherents of that religion, with some defences permitted. (From blasphemy.ie here) [...]
Pingback by Is criminalizing blasphemy a good way to start the new year? « Questionable Motives — January 1, 2010 @ 6:58 pm
I assume the Blasphemy Law was pushed by the world’s largest criminal organization dedicated principally to pederasty, namely the Roman Catholic Church. The world wont be save till the Pope is ____ by his own entrails.
Comment by James — January 1, 2010 @ 7:08 pm
I don’t believe in a god, and I have nothing but hope in my heart that such a pathetic, twisted and cruel cunt could never exist. Fuck god, fuck all those that believe in it, and fuck the ways they have torn apart this beautiful planet with thier arrogance insanity.
Comment by Jon, Liverpool. — January 1, 2010 @ 7:09 pm
This a dead end campaign…
Atheists don’t solve exponential equations because they don’t believe in higher powers.
Comment by Hansel — January 1, 2010 @ 7:11 pm
To commit the blasphemy of bastardising Bill Hicks; if a bunch of christians are offended by what you say surely they should just forgive you?
Comment by Niall — January 1, 2010 @ 7:13 pm
The only church which offers true illumination is a church made of wood, with petrol poured over it and an atheist running away with the rest of his cigarettes.
Comment by Nada de Ciencia Ficcion — January 1, 2010 @ 7:15 pm
Well done guys. Keep up the good work!
Comment by Michal — January 1, 2010 @ 7:18 pm
[...] vandaag strafbaar in Ierland | Hier zijn 25 godslasterlijke quotes01-01-2010 om 20:19 door SteephGodslastering vanaf vandaag strafbaar in Ierland | Hier zijn 25 beroemde godslasterlijke quotesGodslastering, Ierland, Religie, Waan v/d Dag Terug naar het blog 0 Reacties Naar [...]
Pingback by Godslastering vanaf vandaag strafbaar in Ierland | Hier zijn 25 godslasterlijke quotes - Sargasso — January 1, 2010 @ 7:19 pm
Go!
Comment by Felix — January 1, 2010 @ 7:23 pm
Become a religious zelot
1,000,000,000 bigots can’t be wrong…………
Comment by Proddy Phil — January 1, 2010 @ 7:25 pm
[...] from Atheist Ireland, blasphemy.ie, January 1, 2010 (link) [...]
Pingback by La Scatola dei Sorci » Blog Archive » libertà e religione — January 1, 2010 @ 7:27 pm
All those idiotic believers can stick their gods as far up their arses as that feckin’ paedophile mohammed stuck his shrivveled old dick up his 9 year old “bride”
Comment by Phil — January 1, 2010 @ 7:29 pm
I wanted to make a concise point here about the policies of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC). The RCC is known to fight off relativism and materialism. But consider this:
1/ How can a belief in a paradise after death where all your wishes be granted not be considered as a form of pure unadulterated materialism? What do believers wish for in their prayers if not for material things? Why does the RCC strive so much for temporal power if it villifies materialism?
2/ How on earth can the RCC criticize relativism when it has changed its stance on various matters throughout history after sceptics have shown their positions to be entirely untenable. Confer for instance the case Galileo. Isn’t the RCC itself prone to relativism? What happened to her once so absolute standards? Why is the RCC condemning homosexuals and paedophiles while at the same time covering abuses by her priests, how’s that for relativism?
I have only one thing to add and that is that the RCC is the most hypocritical organisation that has ever been in existance. Fuck the RCC!
Comment by Raskolnikov — January 1, 2010 @ 7:29 pm
All those idiotic believers can stick their gods as far up their arses as that feckin’ paedophile mohammed stuck his shrivelled old dick up his 9 year old “bride”
Comment by Phil — January 1, 2010 @ 7:29 pm
I respect all beliefs, what I dont respect is some TWAT or some stupid Political body telling us what we can or cannot say.
So If I say… ‘Fuck Christ, Fuck God and Fuck the Holy Ghost!’ is that going to get me in trouble?… I doubt it, and if God wants to strike me down… well then… BRING IT ON BITCH!!!
Comment by Nicholas — January 1, 2010 @ 7:32 pm
I hate to say this, but I’m sure that this law will do nothing to convince many Brits that the Irish aren’t really a bunch of nutters. This webpage might, though.
Comment by Richard Vernon — January 1, 2010 @ 7:51 pm
I ain’t afraid of your Yahweh
I ain’t afraid of your Allah
I ain’t afraid of your Jesus
I’m afraid of what you do in the name of your god
I ain’t afraid of your churches
I ain’t afraid of your temples
I ain’t afraid of your praying
I’m afraid of what you do in the name of your god
Rise up to your higher power
Free up from fear, it will devour you
Watch out for the ego of the hour
The ones who say they know it
Are the ones who will impose it on you
Rise up, and see a higher story
Free up from the gods of war and glory
Watch out for the threats of purgatory
The spirit of the wind wont make a killing off of sin and satan
I aint afraid of your Bible
I aint afraid of your Torah
I aint afraid of your Koran
Dont let the letter of the law
Obscure the spirit of your love it’s killing us
I aint afraid of your money
I aint afraid of your borders
I aint afraid of your choices
I aint afraid of your Sunday
I aint afraid of your Sabbath
I aint afraid of your teachers
I aint afraid of your dances
I aint afraid of your music
I aint afraid of your children
I’m afraid of what you do in the name of your god
Comment by ana-Membui (son of Devil) — January 1, 2010 @ 7:58 pm
The very best of luck to you in throwing out this unworkable pernicious anti-democractic claptrap
Comment by Julian — January 1, 2010 @ 8:10 pm
This blasfemy law is simply stupid. Fight it, it is insane to bring religion to the laws of a modern state.
Comment by Patrícia Gomes Lucas — January 1, 2010 @ 8:10 pm
I’m with you 100 per cent in having this absurd law flushed down the toilet of history.
Now for some blasphemy:
There is no god of any kind, and all religions are false, wicked and man-made.
My contempt for the claims of religion is especially strong in the cases of Islam, Christianity and Judaism.
Solidarity with the free people of Ireland.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_hlMK7tCks
-Adam, London
Comment by Adam — January 1, 2010 @ 8:10 pm
Most sane people are now bored to tears about this argument. I just want to point out that Salman Rushdie’s comment is not you at your best (he was under some pressure). Conservative here means nothing other than “bad”. And my experience is that it’s very enervating, boring people who don’t have some idea of the sacred.
Comment by Rory O'Connor — January 1, 2010 @ 8:14 pm
Any omnipotent being that needs to be protected by a bunch of sleazoid politicians hardly deserves worshipping. Fuck the lot of them.
Comment by Brian — January 1, 2010 @ 8:18 pm
All the above drivel is not blasphemy, it is merely bad manners from adolescents all trying to outdo the other with “bad words.” You don’t have a clue about respect for ideas or anything else. You all need to have your mouths washed out with soap for your dirty talk.
Comment by Dee STurber — January 1, 2010 @ 8:18 pm
@rory o’connor – most sane people are atheists, who aren’t bored by this argument.
Thit was a lot of fun to read! Good luck fighting the blasphemy law. You could have used an excerpt from the following lyrics of a song by Leonard Cohen called Billy Sunday, who was an evangelistic preacher:
My name is Billy Sunday
I speak in the name of God.
They call me Billy Sunday
I speak in the name of God
And God is always angry
Just in case you think He’s not
He’s angry at your body
For reasons that are His
He doesn’t like your body
According to reasons that are only His
I’d like you to know He’s very very angry
But that’s just the way He is
He’s angry at the spirit
That is turned away from Him
He’s angry at the spirit
That’s turned away from Him
If He ever gets His Hands on it
He’s gonna tear it limb from limb
They call me Billy Sunday
I speak in the name of God
They call me Billy Sunday
I speak in the name of God
And God is always angry
Just in case you think He’s not
He’s angry at the universe
It drives him up the wall
I could say for a fact
He’s not pleased with this universe
It drives him up the wall
He’s sorry that He ever thought of you and me at all
He’s angry when you’re dying
And He’s angry when you’re dead
And you’re always one or the other
He’s angry when you’re dying
And He’s angry when you’re dead
And He’s furious at me
For everything I’ve ever said
If you feel His anger some night
Let’s say in a Motel room at three a.m.
If you feel His awesome anger
In your Hotel room let’s say at three a.m.
It turns out that He’s still very angry
That you took so long to be afraid of Him
They call me Billy Sunday
I speak in the name of God
They call me Billy Sunday
I speak in the name of God
I came here to tell you that God is always angry
Just in case you think He’s not
If you fall asleep some night
Which everybody does
If you have the nerve to go to sleep one tired night
Which most everybody does
And you happen to have some silly dream
To Him it’s very serious.
And if some lonely night you ask yourself
Where all the pretty girls are gone ?
Some night you’re gonna ask yourself where where
Where are those pretty girls gone
Then He blows away the little scraps of paper
That they write their names and numbers on
Then you find that you get down on your knees
And you want to renounce for all time a woman’s sweet caress
You have some vocation that makes you kneel down
And renounce for eternity a woman’s sweet caress
Then He causes you to touch yourself
As soon as you undress
They call me Billy Sunday
I speak in the name of God
They call me Billy Sunday
I speak in the name of God
And God is always angry
Just in case you think He’s not
Comment by Tom — January 1, 2010 @ 8:19 pm
[...] blasphemy deserves all the support it can muster. To challenge the proposed legislation they have published a list of 25 quotations on their website any one of which could make them liable to a fine not exceeding €100,000 if this ridiculous law [...]
Pingback by THE GREATEST BULLSHIT STORY EVER TOLD « ANIMAL MY SOUL — January 1, 2010 @ 8:20 pm
@12 and 23:
How dare you disparage the meaty and nutritious goodness of His Al Dente-ness the Flying Spaghetti Monster! I should sue– OH, COOKIES! YUM!
Comment by Dan — January 1, 2010 @ 8:20 pm
What a load of old shite,frigging gay priests,violent nuns,abused children way back in the last century, to the present day.
“All in the name of religion,well fuck them all.Fuck jesus,fuck all religions.
And I say this as a Roman (non practising)Catholic. Abused by them, for many years.
Comment by Conroy Clan — January 1, 2010 @ 8:22 pm
Wouldn’t the worship of any “God” be blasphemous to anyone other then a believer of that particular “God”? Doesn’t this outlaw religion entirely? If I pray to a “God” that you believe to be a false “God”, I am committing blasphemy against your “God”. Therefore all worship is insulting to someone who has a different belief then yours.
Comment by Eddie — January 1, 2010 @ 8:24 pm
The truth itself is blasphemous by definition.
Comment by xoites — January 1, 2010 @ 8:24 pm
Bit of a misunderstanding:
Björk: “The Buddhists say we come back as animals and they refer to them as lesser beings. Well, animals aren’t lesser beings, they’re just like us. So I say fuck the Buddhists.”
Actually Buddhism teaches the practice of compassion toward all beings, and not to think or hold opinions that they are better than anyone or even animals.
“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”-Buddha
Also dont agree with this law though, good luck for getting it reversed.
Comment by marco — January 1, 2010 @ 8:25 pm
Regarding comment #21: This has been tried. Ernie Chambers, state legislator for the state of Nebraska, and one of the coolest legislators to come out of the state that gave the world the unfortunate ramblings of William Jennings Bryan. Sued God, seeking a restraining order that would make God cease his constant threats against the citizens of Nebraska. Chambers, who calls himself an agnostic, said he was going to appeal the judge’s decision to throw the case out on the grounds that the defendent had not been properly served. Chambers maintains that, if God is indeed omniscient, there is no need to serve him with papers, because he knows the charges against him. Unfortunately for Nebraska (and everywhere else, IMHO), the Nebraska legislature ganged up on him and passed a term limits law specifically for the purpose of ridding Nebraska of the only truly progressive and interesting elected official they could boast of. I guess if he goes to Ireland, he’d be guilty of violating the law, not just violating the sensitivities of a couple million midwesterners.
Comment by Saffron — January 1, 2010 @ 8:35 pm
To me, looks like a mis-direction created by the immoral Roman Catholic Church in Ireland. The purpose being to divert attention from their crimes against children in Ireland and toward a bigger problem — active Atheists who are the leaders seeking prosecution of priests who abuse children. So, the RCC creates for the Atheists some busy work requiring them to defend themselves.
I expect the “blasphemy law” to backfire on the RCC and accelerate the growth rate of Atheism.
There isn’t no goddamn god.
Comment by SamHoustonTX — January 1, 2010 @ 8:37 pm
And religion strengthens it’s grip. Let us loosen it, shall we?
Well done!
Comment by Mark — January 1, 2010 @ 8:40 pm
“136.All the above drivel is not blasphemy, it is merely bad manners from adolescents all trying to outdo the other with “bad words.” You don’t have a clue about respect for ideas or anything else. You all need to have your mouths washed out with soap for your dirty talk.
Comment by Dee STurber — January 1, 2010 @ 8:18 pm”
And how can talk be ‘dirty’? Because it is profane and doesn’t treat language as ’sacred’? – the ‘god problem’ again – fuck it.
Comment by All-Father Odin — January 1, 2010 @ 8:40 pm
Wow, Ireland, really? A blasphemy law? Trying hard to become the Kansas of Europe, I guess. In any case, this quote from Denis Diderot needs to be included: “Man shall not be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest.”
Good luck in the upcoming fight.
Comment by s6u6r6f — January 1, 2010 @ 8:42 pm
My god forbids the paying of all and any taxes.
Suggesting I should pay tax is blashphemy.
(they really didn’t think this through did they?)
Comment by IRG The Divine — January 1, 2010 @ 8:42 pm
Another quote for you:
Islam is not a religion but a fascist ideology, and the Koran is no different from Hitler’s “Mein Kampf.”
- Geert Wilders, the next prime minister of the Netherlands.
Comment by George O'Connor — January 1, 2010 @ 8:43 pm
Lads, lads!
Can ye save the vulgarities for the wall of the public toilet. There is no use wasting your blasphemy on this website.
If you’re in Europe (and that includes the UK, even if you vote Tory) why not contact your Euro MP and voice your objections. If you’re in the US, why not contact your local Irish newspaper or Irish tourist office and raise your objections there, and if, like me, you’re in Ireland, then join Atheist Ireland and also get on to all your local TDs.
Comment by Fear Dorcha — January 1, 2010 @ 8:49 pm
I excommunicated myself from the Catholic church when they welcomed the unrepentant war criminal Blair into their ranks with open arms. You can’t chum it up with killers and claim to represent god at the same time.
But my real beef with Jesus was that he turned water into wine but didn’t teach the rest of us how it was done. Now, that IS despicable!
Comment by Patrick Phillips — January 1, 2010 @ 8:55 pm
Adonai diablum sonai abrechtum solai nathrac annul sardumni Mephistopholi!
Excellent, now you are one of us. Rejoice in your eternal damnation, fool.
Comment by Jesus Manson — January 1, 2010 @ 8:57 pm
I love Jesus. I really do. And I believe that He loves me, and the people of Ireland, and Atheist Ireland, and everyone who’s posted on this page. And I attend church regularly. And I eat that little styrofoam wafer, and chase it with bad wine. And I pray to Him. And I read those stories about a God that slaughtered innocents, and afterwards I say, “Thanks be to God.” And it puzzles me.
And I believe He speaks to me, through love. I even think I saw Him once, and He smelled like baby oil.
And I’m not kidding about any of that.
And I just want to say: I love what you’re doing, agree with what you’re doing, and hope you succeed. Good luck, and Godspeed.
Comment by Reggie B. — January 1, 2010 @ 8:57 pm
What…is it April 1st already? Good one.
Comment by Jesus — January 1, 2010 @ 9:01 pm
As a christian, I am not offended by any remark on my belief. As a citizen, I don’t need stupid laws to defend my belief. I just take no offense, so please government, don’t make this an offense.
Comment by Remco — January 1, 2010 @ 9:02 pm
And you wonder why the Irish people are the but of jokes
These lawes are pagan
typicaly Irish
Comment by Paul P — January 1, 2010 @ 9:07 pm
As a devout atheist, I hold common sense “sacred” does this mean I can now demand the prosecution of anyone insulting my common sense by insisting I am heading for Hell?
Comment by Tom Mannion — January 1, 2010 @ 9:10 pm
Great stuff, keep up the good work. I think it be better for your membership of Atheist Ireland if you did not charge to join.
Comment by Adam Simmons — January 1, 2010 @ 9:11 pm
Although I’m only a visitor of this website from the Netherlands I can only agree with campaign. If you don’t agree with someone standpoint, discuss it, but don’t call illegal and put a fine (or worse on it). I’m very much against some recent Muslim bashing wished has been uttered by some bleechedheaded fool, but I’d oppose any law which would deprive him from his right ot utter his silly opions.
When however anyone acts along any line of discrimination, say refuse entrance on such grounds, I’d say prosecute them.
Comment by Bastiaan — January 1, 2010 @ 9:22 pm
Although I’m only a visitor of this website from the Netherlands I can only agree with campaign. If you don’t agree with someone standpoint, discuss it, but don’t call illegal and put a fine (or worse) on it. I’m very much against some recent Muslim bashing wished has been uttered by some bleechedheaded fool, but I’d oppose any law which would deprive him from his right ot utter his silly opions.
When however anyone acts along any line of discrimination, say refuse entrance on such grounds, I’d say prosecute them.
Comment by Bastiaan — January 1, 2010 @ 9:23 pm
You will all be impaled on stakes in hell
Comment by GOD — January 1, 2010 @ 9:26 pm
Jesus was a schizophrenic lunatic, very nice I’m sure, but still, if he were walking around today he’d be hauled off to the looney bin before you could say “the bible is a load of bollocks”. That is assuming that they still threw lunatics in looney bins.
Comment by Black Jack Shellac — January 1, 2010 @ 9:31 pm
If we’re making some moronic reactionary stupid fecking laws maybe we should make a “sensible” one like if you’re a muslim you’re not allowed on a fecking plane!
Comment by Jesus Wept — January 1, 2010 @ 9:43 pm
[...] Janeiro 1, 2010 por RPR … vai mesmo sem comentário. [...]
Pingback by Este… « destruição criativa — January 1, 2010 @ 9:48 pm
So the dopey wankers can knock on your door and drone their bollocks to you and if you dont swoon over it, nay think or tell them its shite , they can walk away with a smugness that reeks of “oh such a shame you dont understand” and you,ll be taken by the bogeyman on death
BUT if you dare to critise their fairytales you,ll end up in court, what scared shallow tossers ,I SAY YOUR GOD IS A WANKER ,AS ARE THE TWATS WHO FOLLOW THE DIRGE RIDDEN TOME AKA THE BIBLE
BUT GUESS WHAT? I KNOW I WILL WAKE UP TOMORROW…..ANY HOLY JOES WANNA BET I DONT?
Get a life you self hypnotising pricks
Comment by barry freeman — January 1, 2010 @ 9:53 pm
“164.If we’re making some moronic reactionary stupid fecking laws maybe we should make a “sensible” one like if you’re a muslim you’re not allowed on a fecking plane!
Comment by Jesus Wept — January 1, 2010 @ 9:43 pm”
‘Fecking’ eh? Bejeepers and begorrah!
Been watching Father Ted, have we? You still ain’t getting it right, so fuck off you BNP troll
Comment by All-Father Odin — January 1, 2010 @ 9:53 pm
Well done. I couldn’t agree more.
Comment by Zuzana — January 1, 2010 @ 9:56 pm
A few quotes to add to the mix:
“But who prays for Satan? Who, in eighteen centuries, has had the common humanity to pray for the one sinner that needed it most?”
– Mark Twain
“You can safely assume that you’ve created God in your image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.”
– Anne Lamott
“If god doesn’t like the way I live, Let him tell me, not you.”
– Unknown
“Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.”
– Philip K. Dick
“I’m not convinced that faith can move mountains, but I’ve seen what it can do to skyscrapers.”
– Unknown
“If God has spoken, why is the world not convinced?”
– Percy Bysshe Shelley
“No man believes that the Bible means what it says; he is always convinced that it says what he means.”
– George Bernard Shaw
“Faith is deciding to allow yourself to believe something your intellect would otherwise cause you to reject — otherwise there’s no need for faith.”
– Unknown
“When one person suffers a delusion, it is called insanity. When many suffer from a delusion, it is called religion.
– Robert M. Pirsig
“Believing is easier than thinking. Hence so many more believers than thinkers.”
– Bruce Calvert
Comment by RickK — January 1, 2010 @ 10:02 pm
Heres a wee poem in Irish dedicated to the fuckwits who brought in this law and bestowing on us once more the image of us being a backward wee backwater of a country. I wrote it in Irish so that any offence could only be taken by Irish theists which is who the law is aimed to ´protect´ . So there can be no doubt of my intended audience. I am breaking the law. Now enact it and have me arrested.
I gcuntas Dé , i gcuntas Dé
na fhaca mise riamh Dé
chomh mor
a cunt as Dé
And in case it could be argued that writing it as Gaeilge limited its potential to ´offend´then here is a English translation
For Gods sake , for gods sake
Never have I seen a God
thats such a cunt as God
Please please prosecute me ! I would love to be your first test case
is mise
Pádraig ó Súilleabháin
23 Belvidere Places
Baile Átha Cliath
Comment by Pádraig — January 1, 2010 @ 10:04 pm
I don’t consider myself an atheist, but I’m sympathetic with atheism–up until it becomes a fundamentalist monolith. “Atheism is the only thing that makes sense and anybody who doesn’t see that is deluded.” That kind of fundamentalism is just as ignorant and ugly as any other kind of fundamentalism.
That being said, anti-blasphemy legislation seems to me to be about as effective and sensible as anti-ignorance and -ugliness legislation.
A nugget of Islamic wisdom tells us to see everything, doubt everything. Judicious and thoughtful doubt takes the form of examination of facts, which leads to knowledge. Atheism is, to put it mildly, extreme doubt. How could that be bad? Any theism that can’t tolerate close examination isn’t worthy of theists.
That doesn’t give atheists license to be mean, though. I don’t think that anyone is born an atheist; atheists are converts, and there’s nothing more zealous than a convert.
Be careful, and mind your manners. Be nice, try not to worry too much, and have a little harmless fun along the way. Think whatever you want, but remember that while uninformed ignorant statements are unfortunate, informed hurtful statements are far worse.
Attempting to legislate morality is invariably a bad idea, but freedom of speech comes with the responsibilty of acknowledging everybody else’s freedom of speech, even if (or especially if, I would argue) you disagree with them. Just be nice about it.
You have every right to disagree with my beliefs, but there’s no reason for you to insult my beliefs. I don’t think that you have the authority to insult my beliefs, but you do have the power to, and there’s a big difference. I think that the Irish government would do well to remember the distinction.
Why would you say “Fuck your god and fuck jesus” except in an effort to make me mad, hurt my feelings, and start a fight? That’s childish bullyism, and the sort of thing that fundamentalists thrive on. Atheist fundamentalism isn’t any more informed or admirable than any other kind of fundamentalism. Stop it, and be nice.
When we say or do something stupid, we know perfectly well that we’re saying or doing something stupid–we just go ahead and do it anyway. Religion–including atheism–encourages some people to be mean and stupid, but those are people inclined to meanness and stupidity in the first place. It also leads other people to be nice and smart.
Which one are you?
Which one you are is not at the whim of a judicial dictate; it’s in your hands.
As individuals, we need to be smarter, better, and kinder than our governments, because we’re the ones who have to live, work, and travel together every day.
Comment by Uisgea — January 1, 2010 @ 10:05 pm
I have “blasphemed’ every day of my life since I was eight years old and became a non-theist and I will continue to “blaspheme” every day until I die. My last words will be “Fuck you” to all the inventors and promulgators of religion who have so destroyed the possibility for sanity and rational, investigative intelligence. They are disgusting, evil people who can never be trusted to do the decent thing because they do not have control over their own moral codes and have never made a real examination of conscience.
Comment by Merilyn Jackson — January 1, 2010 @ 10:21 pm
re Patrick Phillips post 152.
Have you privately excommunicated yourself, or made your vote count via our friends at
http://www.countmeout.ie/
If the former, may I suggest also doing the latter.
David B
Comment by David B — January 1, 2010 @ 10:21 pm
Looks like it is now ilegal to speak the truth in Ireland. Shame on them.
Comment by Bob — January 1, 2010 @ 10:23 pm
Fuck this sham of a fucking law, i believe in Hitlerism, don’t mock my saviour
Comment by Jonathan — January 1, 2010 @ 10:29 pm
In response to Uisgea: If we love our children and want a saner world for them, and since we cannot hang all priests and imams, all we can do is insult all religion in the strongest terms, repudiate its ignorance, and fight to keep some semblance of sanity in the world while demonstrating other, more ethical and sensible ways to behave. Freedom of speech, even when insulting, must be preserved. Ultimately, it is the basis for a rational life.
Comment by Merilyn Jackson — January 1, 2010 @ 10:31 pm
God hates women, the shit.
Comment by Ophelia Benson — January 1, 2010 @ 10:33 pm
Ireland is such a primitive backwater. Catholicism’s Saudi. Good luck.
Comment by Peter Justice — January 1, 2010 @ 10:41 pm
[...] 20. Pope Benedict XVI quoting a 14th century Byzantine emperor, 2006: “Show me just what Muhammad … [...]
Pingback by The sacred in modern law « Just Another Deisidaimon — January 1, 2010 @ 10:49 pm
Bjork is mistaken.
http://www.buddhistsagainstreincarnation.com
Comment by steve sajeev — January 1, 2010 @ 10:50 pm
Religion and religious belief in general is part of what I call medievalism along with nationalism, ideas of race,ideas of sexuality,ownership of natural resources like water, air, land.
We have stewardship of the earth for a short while and we will be leaving it to our children.
Lets clear away the medieval shite!.
This law is a stupid law for stupid people.
If your faith is strong a few insults arent going to hurt it now are they? Freedom of expression must be protected.
By the way a little editing on the the juvenile stuff would be useful. You are useing wordpress and you could easily show the more sensible comments first, and bury the juvy stuff to some expressive section of you site.
Comment by nodenet — January 1, 2010 @ 10:53 pm
“Are You Drinking With Me Jesus?”
Mojo Nion/Country Dick Montana)
I saw you sittin’ there
I was tryin’ not to stare
I wasn’t sure if it was you
I didn’t know just what to do
CHORUS
Are you drinkin’ with me Jesus
I can’t see you very clear
Are you drinkin’ with me Jesus
Would you buy a friend a beer
As I nestled on my barstool
I felt your warmness within
I looked down at my pants
That wasn’t warmness
I wet myself again
CHORUS
Does your head pound, Jesus
As hung over you do rise
How does paradise look, Jesus
Through holy bloodshot eyes
Should we take a cab home Jesus
Man, we can hoof it from here
I know you can walk on the water
But can you walk on this much beer
Are you drinkin’ with me Jesus
I can’t see you very clear
Comment by Mike Kelly — January 1, 2010 @ 10:58 pm
Religion, the root of all evil. Repeal this insane piece of legislation now.
Comment by Jo Melen — January 1, 2010 @ 11:07 pm
The Catholic Church and their god are so fucked up they’re inoffendible. Religion is an insult to humanity.
Comment by mcek — January 1, 2010 @ 11:11 pm
Some nice quotes, but possibly all a bit intellectual to really test the new blasphemy laws. Couldn’t someone just knock up a cartoon of Jesus fucking Mohammed in the arse – I suspect that might encourage one or two complaints to the police.
Comment by Barry Smith — January 1, 2010 @ 11:15 pm
Highly amusing. Now let me get this straight – if this is about insulting ANY religion, then a religion that claims it is the ONLY true religion would be in breach of this as well? That should wipe them all out.
Comment by Louise (Australia) — January 1, 2010 @ 11:18 pm
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-594683847743189197#
Comment by All-Father Odin — January 1, 2010 @ 11:19 pm
Religion is such nonsense. Let it die like the flat earth.
Comment by Rodney — January 1, 2010 @ 11:22 pm
You take that back Hughes!
Comment by Gingerbread Person IV — January 1, 2010 @ 11:23 pm
Ah well. Even the Irish must be allowed to fuck it up occasionally.
Comment by Brendan O'Shea — January 1, 2010 @ 11:25 pm
Thank you for taking this stand.
Comment by L. Ron McKenzie — January 1, 2010 @ 11:26 pm
So long as they pull their heads out of their asses within a reasonable amount of time…
Comment by Brendan O'Shea — January 1, 2010 @ 11:27 pm
[...] And so, Dermot Ahern, in his infinite wisdom, has just made the central tenet of the religion of one third of the entire planet illegal. [...]
Pingback by blasphemy! « klog — January 1, 2010 @ 11:28 pm
136. All the above drivel is not blasphemy, it is merely bad manners from adolescents all trying to outdo the other with “bad words.” You don’t have a clue about respect for ideas or anything else. You all need to have your mouths washed out with soap for your dirty talk.
Comment by Dee STurber — January 1, 2010 @ 8:18
a) Adolescent rebellion happens when you get condescending gits looking down at you from positions of power – it’s healthy. Dirty talk, humour & blasphemy are good because they are how we liberate ourselves from fear. We may grow up – will you?
b)Some ideas don’t deserve respect.
Comment by Vark — January 1, 2010 @ 11:35 pm
There is a huge difference between what the Bible says and what religions say it says. All religions are man-made. The Bible claims to be the Word of God (and having read it, indeed studied it, I have come to the conclusion that indeed it is) and every individual has the freedom to decide for themselves whether they cosider it to be the Word of God or not. No other person should impose or force their beliefs on another – I may mention what I believe; just like people exchange what they think on a thousand matters every day – but I should not overstep it being your decision and I should allow you your decision. I would recommend of course that before making any decision that you first read the Bible – when I first read the Bible it struck me that ‘half of what I had been told was not in there and the other half was incorrect’. So please do not judge the Bible by the widespread, man-made rigamaroles of religion no matter how common and taken for granted they are. Religions are designed solely to enslave, subjugate, and control people, and yes, abuse them. Religion has always promulgated lies, and those lies beget more lies. Sadly we now have so many layers of lies that the truth is somewhat hidden and moreso neglected and instead religions parade their lies as truth.
Interestingly very few people actually make a decision about what they believe: the religions of the world are as firmly marked as geographical boundaries, with religions being passed on from parents to children, and each successive generation accepting it (it can harldy be called believeing) for no other reason than that it was what their parents brought them up in (and oftentimes imposed on them). And yet for the most part all these people ‘think’ they are right (or that their belief is the right one), and amazingly, very often will kill and die for something they never even appraised and never made a conscious, lucid decision about in the first place (an aspect of blind-belief no doubt).
Incidentally God (I realise of course that many of you do not believe in God, and I have no qualms with this whatsoever — indeed when it comes to God every man is an island — it is your decision, your choice) does not need this law – rather it is, as many have mentioned, to protect religions and quell any questioning even of their authority and doctrines. I have read most of the comments here and, at the risk of sounding ‘goody-two-shoes’ or holier-than-thou, etc., etc., my over-riding sentiment was ‘you cannot change truth’ – you can rail against it, you can make fun of it, you can do whatever you want but truth still stands. My only recommendation, if I may, is perhaps read the Bible before you pass judgement. I would not critique a book or a film based on what I heard about it from others, and certainly I would not listen to people who have a vested interest in promulgating their own lies at the expense of the Bible. If you have any questions about the Bible (not religion, or what people say ‘about’ the Bible) feel free to contact me: chinawise@msn.com
After all the whole issue here is freedom of speech and expression.
Finally and by the way, I read once that ‘most people think that they think’ and that is something that I always take very much to heart.
Comment by Joe — January 1, 2010 @ 11:48 pm
Oh yes, read the Bible…here’s my favourite part, it’s Psalm 137: 7-9
“Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.
O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.
Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones”.
Infanticide, by divine ordination…
Comment by All-Father Odin — January 1, 2010 @ 11:57 pm
#175
with all due respect to you belief in “Hitlerism”,
i think your weird religion caused even more Murdering of innocent
People than Christanity. Thats not really funny.
As a German Citizen, i know the Problem of Anti-Blasphemy Laws very well.
A very funny Work of Art got censored here because a Story about virgin birth
caused by a little Brother shooting his Sperm over a Toilet Seat was too much for those idiot Christians.
So… you Irish Atheists are not alone.
Happy New Year. Fight Stupidity, not People.
Comment by Ohforf — January 2, 2010 @ 12:04 am
Reading the comments one is tempted to conclude that ‘atheism’ is nothing more that the hollow sound of pernicious stupidity. A desperate display of superiority forged in subterranean self-esteem, and betraying the underlying ‘illogical’ fear!
This supposedly aggressive and ‘shockingly blasphemous’ material is in reality nothing but the new brand of puerile, phoney, risibly predictable, sociopathic small-mindedness that is bludgeoning our civilization into brain death.
Those limp-dicked pretenders with narrow mentalities and no personalities are proclaiming themselves to be the defenders of ‘freedom’-a parody of a travesty of a mockery of freedom. The ‘freedom for boundless moronic thought and speech’!
The supposedly ‘civilized’ façade and the supposed ‘values’ of modernity crack and collapse exposing the same pettiness, the same archaic hate as it sends its practitioners into paroxysms of irrational hysteria.
But, by all means, continue your sanctimoniously moronic faux-sermons! Continue to make a spectacle of ignorance/ of faux-wisdom/faux-stability/faux-confidence! There will always be room for a new circus in ‘Flaccid World’.
Comment by Lugal — January 2, 2010 @ 12:10 am
A foolish law that makes criminals of everyone. With the way modern religions and especially those of Judeo-Christian descent jealously guard worshipers, any proclamation of religious belief or disbelief is bound to be blasphemous in someone’s eyes. Further, I add this to the mix:
As a justly sanctioned hierophant of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, I make known to you that such assaults on free speech are a blasphemy unto the most meaty one. O sinners, you will spend an eternity being covered in spices and then slowly heated in the sauce pot of damnation over a medium heat! Or possibly, more like thirty minutes. But know the wrath of the FSM! The wrath!
And if this wasn’t a thinly veiled power grab by very specific religious sects, that would about do it for the law.
Comment by Ashmedai — January 2, 2010 @ 12:11 am
[...] a group called Atheist Ireland have published 25 “blasphemous” quotes, from assorted characters of varying historical notability, and with a varying degree of [...]
Pingback by Blasphemy in Ireland « Cubik’s Rube — January 2, 2010 @ 12:12 am
From Judges 6: “Are you going to plead Baal’s cause? Are you trying to save him? Whoever fights for him shall be put to death by morning! If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar.”
If Yahweh is a real god and he has a problem with what I’ve got to say, he can strike me down himself. He doesn’t need puny governments to stand up for him.
Comment by Mike — January 2, 2010 @ 12:25 am
#171.
“I don’t think that anyone is born an atheist; atheists are converts, and there’s nothing more zealous than a convert.”
Sorry but that has to be the most ridiculous, thing I’ve read in a long, long, time. You’ve got it completely wrong / backwards. We’re ALL born Atheists. No child is born with any religion or notions of a god. It’s not until their parents and societies start to brainwash them that children become believers. I would imagine that up until a certain age, most kids don’t see a difference between Santa Claus and god/Jesus/Allah/ or whatever imaginary deity they are told stories of. If only parents would teach their children about reality instead of religion it would do much for human progress .
Believers in gods are no different than the first, ignorant ,superstitious cave dwellers who were terrified of lightening and saw spirits in every shadow. We’re exploring the Universe, have seen billions of stars, and most people on Earth still can’t see beyond the clouds. Belief in gods is just mass delusion and lack of education. I hate to see otherwise intelligent people with this tumor called faith eating their brains.
As for all of the cursing, it’s just crass. I don’t even bother to read it. How about some ideas instead ? Some thoughts instead of just curses ? A comment full of curse words is just boring . We non-believers are supposed to be the smart ones .
Comment by Felix — January 2, 2010 @ 12:36 am
God’s cunt is a faggot
Comment by Jesus' Black 18-incher — January 2, 2010 @ 12:40 am
Oh, does this mean I can’t say Bejesus anymore? doh…
Comment by Emaerald — January 2, 2010 @ 12:52 am
I find it interesting that none of these 25 passages are blasphemous. Talk about ignorance.
Comment by Rob — January 2, 2010 @ 12:55 am
Let’s defend freedom of speech instead of religious sensitivities.
Comment by lexhamfox — January 2, 2010 @ 12:59 am
Don’t all religions blaspheme against each other just by existing? Does this law make religion illegal? Is making religion illegal blasphemous? Is the world going to implode in on itself and we’ll all die in a bloody and agonizing paradox?
Anyway I think eternal damnation is a bad enough punishment without getting a fine or having to go to prison as well.
Comment by Rebecca — January 2, 2010 @ 1:04 am
Bjork is an lame brained moron. I am guessing she learned about Buddhism from comic books. Rather than banning blasphemy, (which doesn’t exist in Buddhism), please ban idiocy from porkers like Bjorker.
Comment by Lee in Mpls — January 2, 2010 @ 1:19 am
WHERE IS YOUR GOD NOW!
Boning Buddha.
Comment by Foehammer — January 2, 2010 @ 1:27 am
I feel sorry for those who have this great need to justify having no faith, shouldn’t it be self evident, why do you have to try and “convert” everyone to your perspective?! By truly believing in one belief that should mean all others are fakes and counterfeits. There are many sects of each major world religion, and each is blasphemous to the next, and no one will know for certain whether they have the ‘true religion’ or not until they die. Atheists are fools, they lose either way whether they live or die, at-least until life can be sustained at perfection forever, and still that is a hollow promise, Those who hate the idea of God are in an even worse situation, while those who believe the ‘wrong’ religion are living a lie and thus all their effort is in vain. Either you work to maintain character, search for the only living God and his ways, or be an agnostic (unsure about the existence of God) because this subject cannot be proven definitively either way.
Comment by Jeremiah — January 2, 2010 @ 1:37 am
I feel sorry for those who have this great need to justify having no faith, shouldn’t it be self evident, why do you have to try and “convert” everyone to your perspective?! By truly believing in one belief that should mean all others are fakes and counterfeits. There are many sects of each major world religion, and each is blasphemous to the next, and no one will know for certain whether they have the ‘true religion’ or not until they die. Atheists are fools, they lose either way whether they live or die, at-least until life can be sustained at perfection forever, and still that is a hollow promise, Those who hate the idea of God are in an even worse situation, while those who believe the ‘wrong’ religion are living a lie and thus all their effort is in vain. Either you work to maintain character, search for the only living God and his ways, or be an agnostic (unsure about the existence of God) because this subject cannot be proven definitively either way.
Legislature should stay out of this type of discussion, there is no place for it as it should only deal in certainties especially in our ’secular’ societies.
Comment by Jeremiah — January 2, 2010 @ 1:38 am
Mary had a little Lamb – by Nilone
Mary was a prostitute
who sold her cunt for cash.
If she was alive today
you’d call her ‘trailer trash’.
Mary soon got pregnant.
’cause the pill did not exist.
When Joseph heard the news
Mary learned the taste of fist.
They ran away to Jerusalem,
supposedly for a census.
In fact they feared their parents
would see Mary’s lack of menses.
So Mary had a little Lamb
in a cold and clammy stable.
This part of the bible may be true,
but the rest is just a fable.
They called the bastard ‘Jesus’.
Said he was the son of God.
Soon his ego grew pretty big -
he though he was quite hot.
He called himself ‘messiah’,
he said he was ‘the saviour’,
and no one can go to heaven
unless they brown-nose for his favor.
He only had 12 friends
and all of them were men.
His nickname was ‘the carpenter’ -
been screwing from age ten.
The romans didn’t like him,
he pissed the priests off, too.
In order to crucify his arse
they bought one of his crew.
Soon he was dangling from the wood
like a piñata in the sky.
He called out to his ‘father’ God -
haha! – he still believed the lie.
He died and was buried in a cave
sealed by big round stone.
Some mangy dogs found a way inside
and dragged off every last bone.
Millions of fools believe today
that he went up to God’s abode;
in fact the dogs shi* him out
on some deserted road.
That’s the tale of Jesus Christ.
The bastard son of a whore.
His life was twisted and remade
To match some pagan lore.
He didn’t die for your sins,
he only died for his own.
And if you still believe in him
You’re a stupid fucking clone.
Comment by No More Mr. Nice Guy! — January 2, 2010 @ 1:41 am
He’s not the messiah, he’s a very naughty boy!
Comment by Dafydd — January 2, 2010 @ 1:42 am
BTW Felix we are NOT all born atheists, we are all born agnostics (those who don’t know either way). Stop trying to defend your ‘faith’ (in no God) with retarded statements, some balance reasoning should be used and you’re supposed to “be the smart ones”… please take a step back and realize you’re the type of person that will lead to the world becoming and IDIOCRACY (yes … just like the film).
Comment by Jeremiah — January 2, 2010 @ 1:44 am
Congratulations, Ireland, at the start of your descent to mysticism, barbarism, and loss of the rule of _law_. You now join such enlightened civilizations as Iran, and equate yourselves with the Taliban. Good job!
Oh, and lest I fail to run afoul of Irish “law”: Fuck God, Jesus, Allah, Muhammad, and any other Supreme (imaginary) deity, and any religions associated with them.
Comment by Jeebus — January 2, 2010 @ 1:46 am
Morto for us. General academic opinion seems to be that it’s too ridiculous and nebulous a law to enforce anyway. Here’s hoping.
Comment by Boo — January 2, 2010 @ 1:49 am
Song lyrics quoted from http://www.mchawking.com/includes/lyrics/creationists_lyrics.php
(buy the CD at the same site or google for the track)
Fuck The Creationists
Trash Talk
Ah yeah, here we go again!
Damn! This is some funky shit that I be laying down on your ass.
This one goes out to all my homey’s working in the field of
evolutionary science.
Check it!
Verse 1
Fuck the damn creationists, those bunch of dumb-ass bitches,
every time I think of them my trigger finger itches.
They want to have their bullshit, taught in public class,
Stephen J. Gould should put his foot right up their ass.
Noah and his ark, Adam and his Eve,
straight up fairy stories even children don’t believe.
I’m not saying there’s no god, that’s not for me to say,
all I’m saying is the Earth was not made in a day.
Chorus
Fuck, fuck, fuck,
fuck the Creationists.
Trash Talk
Break it down.
Ah damn, this is a funky jam!
I’m about ready to kick this bitch back in.
Check it.
Verse 2
Fuck the damn creationists I say it with authority,
because kicking their punk asses be me paramount priority.
Them wack-ass bitches say, “evolution’s just a theory”,
they best step off, them brainless fools, I’ll give them cause to fear me.
The cosmos is expanding every second, every day,
but their minds are shrinking as they close their eyes and pray.
They call their bullshit science like the word could give them cred,
if them bitches be scientists then cap me in the head.
Chorus
Trash Talk
Bass!
Bring that shit in!
Ah yeah, that’s right, fuck them all motherfuckers.
Fucking punk ass creationists trying to set scientific thought back 400 years.
Fuck that!
If them superstitious motherfuckers want to have that kind of party,
I’m going to put my dick in the mashed potatoes.
Fucking creationists.
Fuck them.
Comment by Name — January 2, 2010 @ 1:54 am
With this law, we may well be witnessing the beginnings of a new Dark Ages.
“I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do.
When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will
understand why I dismiss yours.” — Stephen Roberts
Comment by Michael Cox — January 2, 2010 @ 1:54 am
If I was to say that I consider all of the previous comments and content blasphemous will Minister Ahern do anything? He cannot because he cannot institute or interfere in any prosecutions. That is up to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Will he do anything?
We in Ireland will be waiting a long time to see any of our bankers in court for what they have done to the country. Maybe somebody above will see court first over this dumb law. Tens of thousands of people have lost their jobs, pensions and are in long-term debt but so what. Why did the minister and our useless government not spend his and their time thinking up laws to protect the economy and the wellbeing of the people of Ireland instead of this rubbish.
Come on DPP. Who is for prosecution first? Will it be (a) the bankers or, (b) those in the Catholic Church and those in civil authority why covered up the crimes being committed by priests or (c) one of the above comments.
Comment by spmcol2007 — January 2, 2010 @ 2:02 am
[...] how have Atheist Ireland responded? Today they published a list of 25 blasphemous comments, originally uttered by such people as Jesus H Christ, Mohammed the alleged prophet (yes, I liked [...]
Pingback by If there is a god, he can deal with me himself « The Not-Quite-So-Friendly Humanist — January 2, 2010 @ 2:08 am
Excellent work! Hoping for all the success you guys deserve!
BTW Jeremiah, you’re a fucktard.
Comment by thinkbolt — January 2, 2010 @ 2:10 am
I think it is a very sad thing when a member of a political party feels the need to center an entire nation of people just because he doesn’t agree with their opinion.
This isn’t about the other religions now living in Ireland, it is treating Catholicism with special rights, indeed religion as a general body with special rights. How is Ireland to become a more secular nation with laws such as this? We can talk about politics, celebrity personalities and the argument of pro choice vs pro life; but to talk about religion; oh my gosh no, you can’t talk about that because religious people are better than eveyone else. Everyone else is nothing more than a second class citizen, who are they to argue against it.
All this law accomplishes is putting the country back into the dark ages, tells you what you can and cannot say, and if possible how you can and cannot think.
And evidently shunning the non-believers. It almost seems like the activation of a back up plan after the Ryan report has been published.
Dermot Ahern, you should be ashamed of yourself, you and your party will not be getting my vote at any rate come next general elections.
Comment by Keith Murphy — January 2, 2010 @ 2:17 am
No love for Carl Sagan?
“Education on the value of free speech and the other freedoms reserved by the Bill of Rights, about what happens when you don’t have them, and about how to exercise and protect them, should be an essential prerequisite for being an American citizen–or indeed a citizen of any nation, the more so to the degree that such rights remain unprotected. If we can’t think for ourselves, if we’re unwilling to question authority, then we’re just putty in the hands of those in power. But if the citizens are educated and form their own opinions, then those in power work for *us*. In every country, we should be teaching our children the scientific method and the reasons for a Bill of Rights. In the demon-haunted world that we inhabit by virtue of being human, this may be all that stands between us and the enveloping darkness.”
–Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World
Comment by Marley — January 2, 2010 @ 2:27 am
keep the fight going lads! don’t let the state grant itself the right to extract resources from its citizens in order to protect the ears of its sheep.
Comment by oisin — January 2, 2010 @ 2:35 am
Didn’t “jesus” hump the holes in his hands, using blood for lubrication?
Comment by Scott — January 2, 2010 @ 2:40 am
Silly law to bring in. I can only hope the voters of Ireland do the right thing in the next election and vote these jokers out. The courts can play their part and seperate from religion and never prosecute any blasphemy cases.
Will the ploice need to witness said offences? or will it be like the Spanish Inquisition, where you only need to point a finger in public and yell “Blasphemer.”
I cannot complain too much as Kevin Rudd here in Australia is trying to ban any internet sites having anything to do with safe drug taking or euthanasia all in the name of child protection.
Next you will be telling me America is the home of the free!!
Comment by Gary Perkins — January 2, 2010 @ 2:43 am
Good job, guys, for fighting against this unjust and backwards law. You have my full support.
Comment by Rick Zard — January 2, 2010 @ 2:48 am
I shit on God, the cross, the carpenter who made it, and the son of a whore who planted the pine.
Comment by Will — January 2, 2010 @ 3:08 am
We have enough delusional religious idiots here in goddamn yankie land, please don’t fall into the same trap!
I was planning a trip to Ireland this year but as an outspoken atheist I would not feel safe from the law.
I apologize to the tourist industry of Ireland and the local businesses that would have benefited from my spending, which will likely all go to your neighbor England now. All I can say is kick out those charlatans that pretend their sky-daddy is so fragile as to be wounded by words, and I will consider spending my cash there once again.
Comment by Deconverted Yank — January 2, 2010 @ 3:18 am
Today is a sad day. Tired of these fuckers hiding behind the law.
Comment by Ken — January 2, 2010 @ 3:30 am
But… this is ridiculous. The blasphemy law clearly is not about denying an expression of ideas, as ideas are not blasphemous. As is stated above, blasphemy is considered to be something “grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby intentionally causing outrage”. In essence then it is not a law which threatens to strangle a secular Ireland, but it is a law protecting the rights of the religious from having to deal with anyone who is “grossly abusive or insulting” to their most sacred beliefs. I don’t see how protecting the rights of religious people is worse than protecting the rights of people who want to be able to be “grossly abusive or insulting”. That is not a “medieval religious law” as it is not about religion in particular, it is about protecting the rights of the religious. Yes, “criminal law should protect people and not ideas” – but we call upon the same law to protect freedom of speech and ideas.
As blasphemy is defined above, it is not about suppressing any ideas. It seems to me to be about stopping people who think it’s either clever or amusing to insult other people’s beliefs because they do not match their own. “In a civilised society, people have a right to to express and to hear ideas about religion even if other people find those ideas to be outrageous” – yes, absolutely. This law has stated nothing about preventing the expression of ideas, it is about preventing people from being “grossly abusive or insulting”. I don’t see anything wrong with trying to make people a little nicer to each other.
Comment by Zet — January 2, 2010 @ 3:35 am
[...] http://blasphemy.ie/2010/01/01/atheist-ireland-publishes-25-blasphemous-quotes/ « China Dairy Closed for Melamine -Tainted Milk [...]
Pingback by Irish introduce blasphemy law. « 18hours — January 2, 2010 @ 3:42 am
Hinduism is not a religion! Before the arrival of muslims, India was a plural society where each followed his/her own beliefs. In fact atheists had complete freedom to profess their beliefs (rather disbeliefs) as much as the priests did. Thats the reason there are so many gods in hinduism. But after Islam and Christianity came in, since other forms of belief are anathema to these, all those who were NOT christians and NOT muslims got branded as Hindus (the people of Industan – meaning the civilization around the Indus river and south). Encouraged by the successes of the holy men of christianity and islam, the hindu holy men took over, institutionalized it as a religion and now here we are…. as willing to kill followers of other faith as the others are!!!
Reminds me of quote (by someone I forget!):
“Even without religion good people will do good things and evil people will do evil things. But to make good people do evil things you need religion!.”
Comment by Mano — January 2, 2010 @ 3:46 am
I hope they like vegetables.
‘I would like a Hawaiian pizza.’ (offensive to Jews, Muslims)
‘I would like a cheeseburger.’ (offensive to Jews, Hindus)
‘I would like a 2×4.’ (offensive to druids?)
‘Sir, take off the hoodie.’ (offensive to Jedi)
‘Operator, I need an exit!’ (offensive to Artificial Intelligence jailers)
Comment by JamesB192 — January 2, 2010 @ 3:48 am
This is what blasphemy means in the dictionary
From dictionary.com
1. impious utterance or action concerning God or sacred things.
2. Judaism. a. an act of cursing or reviling God.
b. pronunciation of the Tetragrammaton (YHVH) in the original, now forbidden manner instead of using a substitute pronunciation such as Adonai.
3. Theology. the crime of assuming to oneself the rights or qualities of God.
4. irreverent behavior toward anything held sacred, priceless, etc.: He uttered blasphemies against life itself
Legal dictionary
Legal Dictionary
Main Entry: blas·phe·my
Pronunciation: ‘blas-f&-mE
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -mies
: the crime of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God or a religion and its doctrines and writings and esp. God as perceived by Christianity and Christian doctrines and writings
Words like perceived and showing contempt make me wonder if these laws are a good thing or not. Very open to abuse I think.
Comment by Gary Perkins — January 2, 2010 @ 3:48 am
[...] Irish atheists have a grand site and are already stirring the pot. But I have one question, when one religion disputes the claims of another and tells them they are [...]
Pingback by Irish blasphemy law comes into effect – that’s one way to deal with clerical child abuse, make it illegal to talk about it « voice from the pack — January 2, 2010 @ 4:32 am
Joesph Smith beats jesus christ’s ass. OK, not really, one was a fraud and the other just never was.
Maybe more to the point though, mormons say that their god idea told them that all other religions were bad, if the other religionists aren’t insulted by the mormons, but are insulted by the words of non-deities (well yeah, that would be the set including all words), they obviously have misplaced sensibilities. The first thing that would need to happen to get rid of the published insults would be to burn all the religious handbooks because they all insult each other. Stupid christians! Stupid muslims! Stupid jews! Stupid people who think a law banning insults could ever be workable! I’m an atheist, christians and muslims have been insulting me for decades and continue to do so every day.
You burn in a fire forever you disgusting theists.
Comment by Doug Jensen — January 2, 2010 @ 4:37 am
Fuck the “Holy” Mother Church, especially the Irish franchise, and may the pope and all hypocrites get severely thrashed in the bum with a burning iron until they bleed to death.
Small contribution to your cause, lads. Do not shy away from this fight – let’s take this one in the open field.
I used to respect the Republic for the fact it was born from generations of desiring freedom from an oppressor that let the fruits of the good land be exported instead of feeding it’s starving people, who carried the same burning passion and iron will to fight for the Emerald Isle from the middle ages to the beginning of the last century. You sirs that approved this law are indeed a blasphemy to these fighters and all they stood for, and I hope you are made very aware of it.
Comment by Sycho — January 2, 2010 @ 4:40 am
What bothers me the most about organised religion is that they think theres a better world than this one ,So that gives them the idea that destroying this one is acceptable.If Jesus died for our sins then why do they still consider newborns sinners?Women should stop going to church until organised religion stops psychologically abusing children.
Comment by Gary — January 2, 2010 @ 5:05 am
Well done, absolutely well done.
This law is an exercise in lunacy, and you are right to fight it. Keep up the good work.
Comment by Invisible Sky Wizard — January 2, 2010 @ 5:35 am
You should do 25 a day.
Comment by oneoveralpha — January 2, 2010 @ 5:37 am
BRAVO! Brilliant. Kudos to you guys for doing this. At least some order and intelligence amidst all the darkness and chaos of religion and violence.
Now only if we can grow a pair in Pakistan and follow the Irish lead.
All the best to you guys.
Comment by Muhammad — January 2, 2010 @ 5:38 am
One person’s fervent blasphemy is another’s devout prayer.
Even the UN decided a universal ban on blasphemy is worst than Salomon trying to carve up a baby.
Ah well, leave it to the monotheistic hierarchy to spit on reason and logic.
Comment by hatchetfoot — January 2, 2010 @ 5:39 am
Good to see Ireland’s becoming more like Tennessee were Elvis preachers scour McDonalds for converts.
Comment by Boll Shyt — January 2, 2010 @ 5:51 am
“Man will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest.”
– Diderot
Comment by Joesph K — January 2, 2010 @ 5:53 am
Millions of Muslims follow the Pedophile Prophet.
Comment by James Milton — January 2, 2010 @ 5:53 am
Regarding the quote from Prophet Muhammad, upon whom be peace, and “Islamic anti-semitism”: First of all, are you aware that both Arabs and Jews are semites? Second, the “curses” against Jews or other groups in the Holy Qur’an and hadiths did not apply to all members of those groups. They applied to specific members BECAUSE they committed specific acts (behaviors), not because of who they were. This fact is indicated in the hadith quotation itself. Third, there is no lack of anti-Muslim feeling among Jews, especially today–but it is noticeable that that seems to have gone unnoticed here. Fourth, there are many OTHER hadiths and Qur’anic verses that say positive things about Jews and Christians–again, differentiating among individuals within those groups. Finally, I know that most of the atheists on this site consider themselves to be vastly intellectually superior to religious people, and yet the comments against religion and religious people are so predictable and repetitive. Not infrequently, they are also scatalogical or profane, which indicates a mind that is, in fact, stagnant, far from being superior. So, comment away, atheists. But don’t imagine that you’re saying anything new.
Comment by Robert Stallmann — January 2, 2010 @ 5:56 am
[...] a group that claims to represent the rights of atheists, responded to the new law by publishing 25 anti-religious quotations on its website, from figures including Richard Dawkins, Bj
Pingback by 2010....... - Mind If I Do A J? — January 2, 2010 @ 5:59 am
Let’s party like it’s 1399!!
Comment by martino — January 2, 2010 @ 6:04 am
[...] From the free speech front, Atheist Ireland has published a list of 25 blasphemous quotes in challenge the new anti-blasphemy la…. The law imposes a €25,000 fine for speech (written or otherwise) which “is grossly abusive [...]
Pingback by Christian A. Young’s Dimlight Archive | — January 2, 2010 @ 6:05 am
Where do this law and hate-speech laws meets up? We are on a seriously slippery slope. I can’t say that “homosexuals are evil and must be destroyed” (not that I think that!), but I can say that “muhammeds laws are evil and should be destoyed”. I just don’t see clear lines. In hate speech you identify one specific group of people, and call for violent action against them. In blashemy you identify one organization, and by implication all its members, and call for it’s destruction. I can’t deny the holocaust, but I can deny that Jesus ever lived. I mean, you can clearly see the historical evidence, which indicates which statement is likely true, but are we going to start banning non-scientifically backed speech as well?
Free speech or not, you can’t have it both ways.
Comment by Anon — January 2, 2010 @ 6:06 am
Excellent work in maintaining this site, keep up the fight.
In Australia, the choice of “no religion” is legally a religious choice, maybe consider pressing the same and using the new laws to bring action against any who challenge you? To highlight the stupidity in the laws naturally.
Comment by Russ Roach — January 2, 2010 @ 6:06 am
A lot of you people need to wake up and realise why we are here in the first place. If you dont think god exists then in reality you are assuming that you are your own god. But you have no qualities of a god. You are taking a chance of going to hell, why would you do that when it will only mean you will end up suffering for eternity. Have you ever tried living by gods rules? None of the problems in the world would exist if we lived by gods rules. Instead we have forgotten god and hence the reason the world is in the state it is in right now. It is easy not to believe in something you cannot see but if you dont have that belief then you will be blind to the truth that is religion. Ask yourselves why we are here, human beings were made to believe in god. If you dont have that belief then we might as well class ourselves as animals. Wake up sheeple before its too late
Comment by Imran — January 2, 2010 @ 6:09 am
When I first heard about the law change in Ireland I was shocked. After reading some of the hateful shite written on here you have to question the wisdom of free speech; maybe this new law is a good thing. I always heard that it was the religious who had the monopoly on arrogance and close-mindedness; obviously not. I personally do not believe in any god, but I am not deluded enough to believe that I have all the answers. The real shame is that such a law is needed, but it is obvious from the hate mongering on here that it is.
Comment by Joe Quinn — January 2, 2010 @ 6:17 am
Priests of any kind and their belief system/s ought to be treated in a similar fashion to a political/public figure, that is to say they and beliefs are held accountable by the populist and anything goes. I wonder if the basis for this new law is to prevent youth who were victimized from the molestations of the church leaders to come forward in fear of being fined? At this rate scientific inquiry will be made illegal in no time.
Comment by Lux — January 2, 2010 @ 6:17 am
Freedom of speech should prevail, probably both believers and no believers would agree. For the non believers that show some respect for our beliefs, thank you. For the non believers that enjoy the opportunity to offend believers, we will pray for you and I hope you have the opportunity to discover God in your daily life.
Comment by Mikhael — January 2, 2010 @ 6:21 am
Yes, that law is bullshit and I feel sorry for the irish but most of these comments are from ignorant fucks.
If you want people to respect your atheist beliefs don’t talk shit on everyone else’s.
Do unto others…
Comment by Mina — January 2, 2010 @ 6:21 am
You can be convicted of a crime against something that doesn’t exist? Woah… I may have to think about that one before I can make a lucid comment!
Comment by Sean — January 2, 2010 @ 6:21 am
Yeah, I’m a christian…
I find the quotes that you posted to be as hilarious, and as offensive as you do. Good luck fighting the blasphemy laws, and please keep in mind you have allies on the other side as well.
Comment by Nick — January 2, 2010 @ 6:26 am
This is news to me. A law against blasphemy? I thought that kind of faded away when they stopped burning women, although I hear women are still burned as witches in some countries so go figure.
Shocking.
CH
Comment by Chris Hall — January 2, 2010 @ 6:34 am
Muhammad loved it in the ass as well. That is to say, he liked the environment inside a donkey. This is why Islam is rapidly growing; only those of sub-average intelligence could be attracted to such shit. But now, truly, the law is an ass too.
Comment by Dan Builder — January 2, 2010 @ 6:35 am
Why isn’t there a donation link on this page?? I’m not an atheist but I am a firm believer in freedom of speech and thought. I would gladly donate money to fund a repeal of this backwards discriminatory law.
Comment by Xenu — January 2, 2010 @ 6:37 am
Truth is something so noble that if God could turn aside from it, I could keep the truth and let God go. -Meister Eckhart
Prevailed, twice, in his own defence against the Inquisition for charges of blasphemy. Excommunicated posthumously.
Comment by Товарищ Х — January 2, 2010 @ 6:38 am
@ Dan Builder
^^^ ex. “ignorant fuck”
Comment by Mina — January 2, 2010 @ 6:41 am
superb, thank you and good luck.
Comment by Andrew MW — January 2, 2010 @ 6:44 am
My responses to a comment from Imran — January 2, 2010 @ 6:09 am
“A lot of you people need to wake up and realise why we are here in the first place. If you dont think god exists then in reality you are assuming that you are your own god. But you have no qualities of a god.”
If by that you are intimating that I don’t get a galaxy wide boner when people kill each other over me and my like, then yes I have no qualities of a god.
“You are taking a chance of going to hell, why would you do that when it will only mean you will end up suffering for eternity.”
I’ve often wondered about eternity. Does it truly go on forever and ever amen?
“Have you ever tried living by gods rules?”
I wasn’t aware there were any.
“None of the problems in the world would exist if we lived by gods rules. Instead we have forgotten god and hence the reason the world is in the state it is in right now.”
You are sooo right. Let’s all believe in your god and be happy. Which god is that again? The god of all gods maybe, or a lesser god of some kind?
“It is easy not to believe in something you cannot see but if you dont have that belief then you will be blind to the truth that is religion. Ask yourselves why we are here, human beings were made to believe in god. If you dont have that belief then we might as well class ourselves as animals. Wake up sheeple before its too late”
Wow, you have your head so far up your ass it’s sticking out of your mouth.
Comment by Bishop of Fuckface — January 2, 2010 @ 6:46 am
I’d like to know what is meant by
grossly
abusive
insulting
any religion
outrage
a substantial number
These are all subjective terms. But, by the bastard, the slut and the holy cuckold, why should I have to close my mouth just because someone else has a closed mind?
Comment by Thomas O'Flaherty — January 2, 2010 @ 6:47 am
It is great to see that the intellectial giants of athiesm are out in force. You continue fighting the good fight; your right to promote hatred.
Comment by Joe Quinn — January 2, 2010 @ 6:47 am
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2531009/the_arrogant_atheist_why_i_think_richard.html?cat=9
Comment by Joe Quinn — January 2, 2010 @ 6:48 am
I’ve read lots of comments about the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM) on here, and this is a very good point.
If you really want to highlight just how ridiculous this law actually is, then someone should very publicly (on a website, say) insult the FSM, and a second party take the blasphemer to court. If the blasphemer’s comments were related to the fact that the FSM is a non-existent fictional character (as we all know to be true), then it could lead to a very interesting law-suit.
The courts cannot dismiss the case, since to suggest that the FSM is nothing more than a joke would itself be blasphemous (this would also be *very* dangerous ground for the courts – if they suggested that the FSM was little more than fiction, then every single other religious institution would be required to prove the existence of their God before a blasphemer could be prosecuted).
The case would have to go to trial, and if the accused accepted (without contest) full culpability, then the courts would have no choice but to convict the blasphemer. This would make worldwide headlines, and highlight just how amazingly silly this law actually is. If the prosecution didn’t take place, then whatever reason was given for dismissing the case would set a clear precedent from which other such cases can be dismissed.
I’m not sure of the technical details of this law, but I guess you would need to do the following: have the FSM recognized as an official religion in the next Irish census (just as the Jedi religion is recognized in the UK – see footnote); have an Irish citizen blaspheme against the FSM; have another Irish FSMian citizen take the blasphemer to court; form an on-line group of opponents to this law, and hope that you can get the support of upwards of 25,000 people (if the blasphemer is prosecuted, each member of the group can give €1 to cover the cost of the possible €25,000 fine). You could also use the same group of people to get the FSM as a recognized religion in Ireland (if the Irish content of the group is sufficiently high).
I don’t know when the next census is in Ireland, but I’d love to see this happen! We’ve seen “Jedi” become an official religion in the UK, and saw Rage Against the Machine have a Christmas number one in the UK charts for 2009 – both of these feats were achieved through on-line lobbying.
footnote: Apparently Jedi isn’t “officially recognized” as a religion, since the census doesn’t give recognition to the status of a religion, but merely counts the numbers (this is the same for all religions documented in the census) – but it would be better to have a good few believers of the FSM officially documented when taking the blasphemer to court, then it wouldn’t be so easy to reject the case.
further reading:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2757067.stm
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/10/09/jedi_knights_achieve_official_recognition/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8423340.stm
ps: To speed up the process, you could substitute the FSM for the Jedi religion in the law-suit, since it appears there are worldwide Jedis already on record.
Comment by John Robinson — January 2, 2010 @ 6:50 am
A uniquely Irish solution to a modern dilemma.
Our outdated and unenforceable law against blasphemy is not human rights compliant because it only ‘protects’ (sic) Christian beliefs from mockery or insult, and that ‘discriminates’ (sic) in favour of the Christians and against all other religious observers. Do we
(a) throw away the whole stupid holey umbrella from the middle ages or
(b) create a new, shiny, infinitely large umbrella to cover the whole country?
Hmm … that’s a tricky one to solve.
Obviously we go for option (a).
No, sorry, I mean option (b). Yes (b), definitely (b).
Fuck, I mean (a).
What do you mean “it’s too late, you pressed the wrong button”? I meant to vote for (a), I mean (b), no (a).
Bollocks.
Comment by Lewis Marks — January 2, 2010 @ 6:55 am
The Pope is the leader of the most vile and sickening organisation of sado-masochistic paedophiles, cock suckers, ass fuckers, hypocrites and liars who also manage to divest their followers of vast sums of money so they may pursue their blood thirsty physical and mental torture of men, women and children. I should imagine it’s only a matter of time before the courts also prove this to be the case in the sacred temples of Islam, as they have already found in the hushed churchs of England. Mind you, I haven’t got anything against sado-masochism or cock sucking or ass fucking. After all, I learnt all about their joys in church as did many of my playmates.
Comment by A.TrueMan — January 2, 2010 @ 6:59 am
Boobs… now cheer up everyone.
Comment by TATA — January 2, 2010 @ 7:07 am
As a religious person I say… this law needs to be repealed! Religion and belief in G-d is a choice – and this law is a clear representation of how Ireland tries to inflict religion onto its people by banning anything bad being said about it. I enjoyed reading these quotes(what’s the point of believing in something if you can’t laugh about it?), and I fully support Atheist Ireland’s response to this law!
Comment by Elsey — January 2, 2010 @ 7:08 am
I was incredulous when I read about the new law in Ireland. (Maybe because I’m from the States?) I thought that government-endorsed religious censorship died centuries ago in the West. Scary.
To those people in Ireland who are sane – who hold free speech to be at least as sacred as one’s religion – I wish you my best in fighting this thing.
Comment by David — January 2, 2010 @ 7:10 am
Hi!
Great List!
Here’s another one:
Karl Marx: Religion is opium for the masses.
Something I wholeheartedly agree with.
Am I a blasphemer now, too?
In that case, thanks for letting me join the club.
Comment by Volker Hetzer — January 2, 2010 @ 7:17 am
Can we ban religion instead?
Comment by Sam Bretherton — January 2, 2010 @ 7:19 am
[...] Check out Atheist Ireland’s list of 25 blasphemous quotes, which is a protest against a new law on blasphemy that has just been introduced by the Irish Government. On the subject of religious criticism, a man [...]
Pingback by Irish protest for freedom of speech « An Englishman in China — January 2, 2010 @ 7:23 am
I find this law repugnant. Throughout history religions have attempted to stifle free thought, in ages gone by I could have easily undergone state sanctioned execution for my beliefs. A religion that has the basis of ”eating from the fruits of the tree of knowledge” is in my opinion an outrage on humanities abilities to progress. It can be no surprise that an intelectually underdeveloped set of legislators, who can only want to stifle freedom of thought, have passed this law.
I am embarrassed that the land of my forefathers have taken this retrogressive step, how dare they try to repress anyones freedom to express their opinion. They probably use the excuse that blasphemy upsets and offends religious people. I am an atheist, I have come to this conclusion from wildely reading about many religions and science. I am offended by religious people thinking that their beliefs should be exempt from criticism, while still being allowed to criticise my beliefs.
I can only guess that these backwards paranoid legislators realise that religion is beginning to lose influence as the children of Ireland get educated, and, realise that the mythological fantasy stories present in the bible are nothing more than the fantasies of a technologically backward desert dwelling culture.
My sympathies go out to all atheists in Ireland, you have been branded by the state as being evil. It could be worse, you could have been branded evil jews in 1933 during a massive recession in a so called progressive democratic country. I hope the next twelve years is better for you.
Comment by Steve Leonard — January 2, 2010 @ 7:23 am
Not original but as funny as any religion:
Brian: I’m not the Messiah! Arthur: I say you are, lord, and I should know… I’ve followed a few
Also, Irish politics is as corrupt as the the church it props up.
Comment by Paul McGrath — January 2, 2010 @ 7:23 am
“Lighthouses are more helpful than churches” -Benjamin Franklin
“The divinity of Jesus is made a convenient cover for absurdity.” -John Adams
“But how has it happened that millions of fables, tales, legends, have been blended with both Jewish and Christian revelation that have made them the most bloody religion that ever existed.” -John Adams
“In no instance have . . . the churches been guardians of the liberties of the peopl” -James Madison
“I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires.” Susan B. Anthony
Comment by nyoped — January 2, 2010 @ 7:31 am
It’s brilliant that so many people feel strongly enough about this law to do something about it. I am an atheist and this law makes me feel like a criminal waiting to be arrested.
Comment by Angus — January 2, 2010 @ 7:36 am
I, as a Christian, admire your efforts to repeal this law. It is unjust and clearly marginalizes Atheists. Although I must say, I would never even speak about someone’s delusions with the vulgarity used above. I expected some level of decency or respect toward people of faith, since the claim is made that “We believe in the golden rule.”
Regardless, thank you for fighting for human rights. Best of luck to you all, and stay safe.
Comment by Sarah — January 2, 2010 @ 7:37 am
Is Irish Anti-blasphemy Law Such a Bad Thing?
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2546889/is_irish_antiblasphemy_law_such_a_bad.html?cat=9
Comment by Joe Quinn — January 2, 2010 @ 7:39 am
Mediocre, badly planed move. You had enough time to come up with something smart against a medieval law, this is laughable. Remove the religion and what you get is a mass of ignorant and incoherent people.
Comment by tia o'c — January 2, 2010 @ 7:42 am
Well done! I hope you’ll trigger a fruitful debate and that reason may prevail.
Comment by Ron — January 2, 2010 @ 7:53 am
Keep fighting the good fight!
Comment by James Huddleston — January 2, 2010 @ 7:54 am
response to Imran
”A lot of you people need to wake up and realise why we are here in the first place”. I woke up aged 10, before 10 I really did believe that Jesus the hippy was the sun of god. Then I thought about it and realised how stupid the whole bible story was, some nice rules to live by and some that I couldn’t believe rational people could actually believe.
”If you dont think god exists then in reality you are assuming that you are your own god”. Why bring God into it? don’t you realise what atheism is. Let me educate you – THERE ARE NO GODS why would I think I was a god.
”But you have no qualities of a god”. Thank Christ for that!!
”You are taking a chance of going to hell, why would you do that when it will only mean you will end up suffering for eternity”. Nice argument Imran, enjoy all your virgins when you get to heaven. I’m sure that the 72 virgins were praying to get the chance to service such a fantastic guy as you when their life ends.
”Have you ever tried living by gods rules? None of the problems in the world would exist if we lived by gods rules”. I agree, let me know when god writes some, because the guy whose written them so far has got a great sense of humour.
”Instead we have forgotten god and hence the reason the world is in the state it is in right now”. Yes humanity has been really stupid, we have gone forth and multiplied and tried to seek dominion over all life on earth, ……. hang on, wern’t we supposed to do that!!!
”It is easy not to believe in something you cannot see but if you dont have that belief then you will be blind to the truth that is religion”. Not true, its very hard not to believe in religion when the majority of the world believe. Its so hard many have been killed or imprisoned – hang on, isn’t that what this law is trying to do, to make it more difficult not to believe.
”Ask yourselves why we are here”. Only religious people can ask this question and come up with the right answer.”human beings were made to believe in god”. I’m obviously not human then, does that mean I’m a demon in disguisee sent to tempt the unsuspecting.
”If you dont have that belief then we might as well class ourselves as animals”. Let me just go and check with my closest cousins, they havent mastered the language fully yet but they make more sense than you and are very adept at asking for a banana.
”Wake up sheeple before its too late”. Finally a statement I can agree with
Comment by Steve Leonard — January 2, 2010 @ 7:54 am
This law is the BEST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN EVER!
It is the Emperor’s New Clothes that protect and sustain the myth of “God”, by whatever name. May the Emperor now show off his New Clothes to the entire population with all the pomp and ceremony He can muster. Watching them unravel is going to be so entertaining!
I’m with posts 82, 142 & 202 amongst others (Yes, I’ve read them all!). Astounding and unbelievable that the mere concept of “Blasphemy” can be circumscribed in a 21st-Century law in Ireland. It was originally an invention designed by tyrannical religious leaders to punish sensible discussion of an indefensible doctrine, for the sole purpose of ensuring total political and moral power over their subjects.
The doctrine is as indefensible as ever; the law and the logic behind it even moreso, to the point of farce, if not hilarity.
Comment by Newrone — January 2, 2010 @ 7:56 am
This is about making a statement – not disrespecting religion. I support everything these quotes stand for. Thank you for standing up to them! I hope others who comment remember that this is not about demeaning religion, but about being allowed to think for yourself.
Comment by Rachel — January 2, 2010 @ 8:03 am
More blasphemous quotes:
“If god does exist, he must be an underachiever.” -Woody Allen
“The day will come when the mystical generation of Jesus, by the Supreme Being as His father, in the womb of a virgin will be classed with the fable of the generation of Minerva in the brain of Jupiter.” -Thomas Jefferson, in a letter to John Adams, April 11, 1823
“The fact that a believer is happier than a skeptic is no more to the point than the fact that a drunken man is happier than a sober one.” -George Bernard Shaw
“We must question the story logic of having an all-knowing all-powerful God, who creates faulty Humans, and then blames them for his own mistakes.” -Gene Roddenberry
“There can be but little liberty on earth while men worship a tyrant in heaven.” -Robert Green Ingersoll
“George Bush was not elected by a majority of the voters in the United States, he was appointed by God.” -Lt. General William J, Boykin, U.S. Army
“O Lord our God, help us to tear their bodies to bloody shreds with our shells; help us to cover their smiling fields with the pale forms of their patriot dead; help us to drown the thunder of the guns with the shrieks of their wounded.” – The War Prayer : by Mark Twain
“Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent.” -Epicurus
“There once was a time when all people believed in God and the church ruled. This time was called the Dark Ages.” -Richard Lederer
“Be thankful that you have a life, and forsake your vain and presumptuous desire for a second one.” -Richard Dawkins
“Pray to God, fine; but keep rowing to shore.” -Russian proverb
“Christians worship a dead Jew on a stick.” -George Carlin
“If God really existed, it would be necessary to abolish him.” -Mikhail Bakunin
“Abstinence makes the church grow fondlers.” -unknown
“If you talk to God, you are praying; if God talks to you, you have schizophrenia.” -Thomas Szasz
“In the beginning man created God; and in the image of Man created him.” -Jethro Tull
“The word God is for me nothing more than the expression and product of human weaknesses, the Bible a collection of honourable, but still primitive legends which are nevertheless pretty childish.
No interpretation no matter how subtle can (for me) change this.” -Albert Einstein, letter to philosopher Eric Gutkind, 1954
“So many pregnancies miscarry that, if you’re religious, you could call God the great abortionist.” -Rick Salutin
Popamoto
Comment by Popamoto — January 2, 2010 @ 8:04 am
What I have realised from the comments I have read so far is that you so called atheist are confused about life.Let me tell you confused atheist that whether you like it or not, God exits and someday he would come and judge you all, you better believe it before it is too late.The bible says in Psalm 14:1 that the fool says in his heart there is no God. I hope you are wise,you better serve God.
Comment by Jesus the only savior — January 2, 2010 @ 8:05 am
A sorry state of affairs, this. But to be expected in the over sensitive political correctness society being created. Next, will be the return of the dark ages as history is again rewritten to accommodate the ideals expressed by those enlightened beyond mere mortals…
Then they will create the laws that enforce the superior knowledge they alone poses on an unwilling population.
The laws are not designed to make sense or relieve crime, but to suppress freedoms…
But few care or resist, as long as they have a roof over their heads, meals and tv to suck out their souls…
Meanwhile the prisons fill with people who do resist change.
Comment by bullsballs — January 2, 2010 @ 8:07 am
God damn it.
Comment by Jim — January 2, 2010 @ 8:15 am
Well done Atheist Ireland, keep up the good work, this battle has to be won if we are to ever allow the beauty and wonder of nature and science to shine through and expose the stupidity of religion and its pernicious affects.
Comment by Tim C — January 2, 2010 @ 8:16 am
Comment by Jesus the only savior — January 2, 2010 @ 8:05 am
“whether you like it or not, God exits”
Good, so he’s left the building. Excellent. Has he taken you with him?
Comment by Thomas O'Flaherty — January 2, 2010 @ 8:22 am
[...] a group that claims to represent the rights of atheists, responded to the new law by publishing 25 anti-religious quotations on its website, from figures including Richard Dawkins, Björk, Frank Zappa and the former Observer [...]
Pingback by Irish atheists test blasphemy laws | FTR News — January 2, 2010 @ 8:23 am
Sure ye to burn ye are, lickin and whippin tongues that have been cleaning the Devil’s arse spewing forth ye blasphemy!
Comment by Paddy O'Reilly — January 2, 2010 @ 8:25 am
the more i read about athiests the more stupid i think they are. more stupid me.
des currie
Comment by desmond currie — January 2, 2010 @ 8:28 am
Nicely done, Way to stick it to the man… religious institutions are trying to regain a foothold in today’s society? WOW… it is kind of scary to think that if such outrageous laws can be enforced in today’s societies then how quickly humanity will revert back in its progression. Though seeing the revolt gives hope for a revolution to the ways of thought. I always prefer the agnostic route but goddamm when religion tries to interfere in my way of life I cannot sit and get abused like all its followers do… Hey listen up you believers.. go ahead and believe in spirituality.. do not believe in the Money hungry religionists
Comment by agnostic athiest — January 2, 2010 @ 8:29 am
Isn’t the internet great. We get to insult people who think differently and they can’t do anything becasue we are safe behind the computer screen. Long live the internet warrior.
Comment by Joe Quinn — January 2, 2010 @ 8:31 am
Richard Dawkins has written this in his book “The God Delusion”
The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully.
Is it safe for him to come to an Ireland that proves itself to be primitive and as ignorantly superstitious as the most barbaric of the Islamic States? If fact I wonder if any of us are safe in superstitious Ireland, no wonder there are so many Irish jokes. I suppose that nuns will continue to abuse their charges and priests continue to bugger choir boys in the glorious name of god. If you need any help to counter this descent into medieval superstition you can count on me.
I fully agree with Richard Dawkins. If god exists he is a self serving bastard and not fit to be worshipped. Now my question is will Ireland use the new European arrest warrant to come and get me? Sadly under new European laws any member of the EU csan arrest a resident of any other EU country even if the “Offence” is not and offence in the country of residence. That Ireland’s stupidity makes blasphemy an arrestable offence in the whole of Europe. Beware the office of the Inquisition.
Comment by David Fahn — January 2, 2010 @ 8:40 am
Well done guys!
Great to her someone speaking on behalf of reason and against this ridiculous anachronistic law.
‘It is possible that mankind is on the threshold of a golden age; but, if so, it will be necessary first to slay the dragon that guards the door. That dragon is religion’
Bertrand Russell
And I thought there was no hope for Ireland. Thanks for giving me hope – good luck and I’ll keep an eye out for your progress. (And when I graduate and get a job, I’ll even make a donation towards this eventual bill:-)
hibernopithecus
Comment by hibernopithecus — January 2, 2010 @ 8:48 am
The gratuitous profanities expressed in the comments here are not so much blasphemy as the rantings of warped minds.
I don’t believe in an all-powerful being but I also don’t feel the need to insult all and sundry about it. That is true freedom of thought and speech.
Comment by Mark — January 2, 2010 @ 8:48 am
Poet Jacques Prévert:
Notre Père qui êtes au cieux
Restez-y
Et nous nous resterons sur la terre
Qui est quelquefois si jolie
(first four lines of his “Pater Noster”)
(Our Father Who Art in Heaven
Stay there
And we’ll stay on Earth
Which is sometimes so pretty)
Comment by Mike McKoy — January 2, 2010 @ 8:49 am
Luckily I’m not Irish nor do I live or plan to live anywhere near by. But I sympathize with Irish freethinkers/atheists/secular-humanists and so I shall say THE IRISH GOVERNMENT CAN GO AND KILL ITSELF! ! ! Who do these douche-bags,(possible)corrupt, greedy bastards think they are!? This is ridiculous!
And a €25,000 fine!? Looks like some pencil-pushers aren’t satisfied with the probably already equally ridiculous amount of money they get paid for their “work”. Nice get-richer-quick scam on their part.
Comment by MattHunX — January 2, 2010 @ 8:57 am
I have created my own religion, as others have done, based on a god given common sense. This religion finds the bible and the koran insulting, so does that mean the publishers can be sued?
Also, about the comment ‘bugger god’, maybe that’s what the priests wanted to do but found their target rather elusive, so picked on children instead.
Poor old Ireland!
Comment by Tony Green — January 2, 2010 @ 8:58 am
Nice collection of quotes. You might also like the article “The Koran Unveiled”, which takes Islam apart using nothing but the Koran itself.
http://secweb.infidels.org/?kiosk=articles&id=761
Keep up the good work! The world needs it.
Comment by Alejandro Rodon — January 2, 2010 @ 9:00 am
I’m a Christian myself, and I think anti-blasphemy laws are mind-bogglingly stupid and pernicious. If you criticize my beliefs, I am prepared to explain and defend them (though not on this thread, please); if I really want you to come to agree with me then obviously saying “shut up, blasphemer!” is going to be counterproductive.
I strongly approve of this website’s defiance of this ridiculous Irish law, and were I in Ireland I would defy it myself, though of course I would do so by denying one of the religions I think is particularly wrong and not say anything denying my own. For example, I might say “Mohammed was an evil maniac, and the Koran is not the word of God, and Islam is disgustingly violent, inhumanly cruel, pathetically superstitious, and intolerably misogynistic.”
Comment by Joe Shipman — January 2, 2010 @ 9:01 am
Why are religious people so worried about supposed bad words by aetheists? Surely, if God exists we will all be punished in the after-life anyway.
PS – God does not exist!
Comment by Brian — January 2, 2010 @ 9:04 am
John Lennon – Imagne
Imagine there’s no Heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one
Comment by Franky Van Ingelgem — January 2, 2010 @ 9:04 am
Congratulations! I hope to read and hear more and more against religions and related misbehaviours. I am disappointed about the cowardice of our governments, that have tolerated too much religious fanatisms.
Comment by Silvana — January 2, 2010 @ 9:04 am
It is not just religious people who are insulted when atheists degrade other people’s beliefs. I would imagine most decent minded people would feel the same way. You don’t have to believe in god to have human decency.
Comment by Joe Quinn — January 2, 2010 @ 9:11 am
As a UK citizen, I only came across the news by chance that blasphemy legislation became law on Jan’ 1st 2010. Ostensibly protecting other religions from the rantings of those who deny God, it seems this is a desperate bluff and is in fact a stanc to prop up a faltering, unsustainable Catholic extortion racket, determined to defend its borders against the rising tide of non-believers. What man or woman in a world where science erodes religion like the forces of nature whittle a mountain, can actually subscribe to the concept of a God? These present day cave people with their antiquated, unevolved explanation for the universe around them, defile the modern world. They have no role in it, and should be consigned to the extinction dustbin that has been the one true end for all the branches of humanity which Nature dictated should come and go.
This law is a disgrace to civilisation; an affront to democracy and free speech and is clearly a discriminatory article of legislation against anyone who offers an alternate view to God in all his guises.
Comment by ScottX — January 2, 2010 @ 9:20 am
Since Joseph was not involved in the conception of Jesus, Jesus cannot have
inherited a Y chromosome from Joseph. Therefore Jesus’ two chromosomes
must have come from Mary, and would both have been X chromosomes.
Jesus was a woman. QED.
Or maybe the Holy Ghost was a bloke wearing a feather suit just to
get a quickie from Mary. Maybe the angel Gabriel took his wings off
and gave her six inches of celestial pork.
I hope this is blasphemous and that I have broken the law.
I left Ireland 50 years ago to escape the Orwellian mind control exercised
by the Church. I was asked to believe a load of tosh because it was in a particular
book. All those balls-aching Sundays! Now the State has moved into the mind
control business. Well, it was their turn.
Here in Australia, if you commit blasphemy that is likely to cause a breach of the
peace, it is dealt with as a criminal offence, as is any other act likely to
cause a breach of the peace. But this is a social law to protect social
harmony. We don’t want people shouting ‘Balls to Allah’ in the mosque
and starting a riot. The law is not aimed at protecting religion from dissent.
Comment by primohibernicus — January 2, 2010 @ 9:21 am
Any law that confuses belief and reason must be repealed, simply because it carries the seeds of intolerance and ultimately wholesale slaughter.
This intolerance can already be witnessed: from the originator(s) and partisans of the law but also from its critics.
Let us push to have this law repealed, but not out of hatred. Instead let us repeal it because it will hinder us in our clear and genuine search for truth.
Comment by Pierrick Dridhamati Parigot — January 2, 2010 @ 9:22 am
First off, happy new year unbelievers. Good luck with the campaign to drag Ireland into the present.
snakes from hell, thanks for the lols
Comment by Tony B — January 2, 2010 @ 9:23 am
This is a great effort. Blasphemy is an idea thought up by those who cannot defend their ideas against better ideas; it is a tool for maintaining political power through religious means.
As for whether God exists or not, or if (s)he’s nice or nasty – well, that’s irrelevant to blasphemy law.
Though I find the discussion here interesting because the hard line theists and atheists are all convinced of their own beliefs, and cannot understand anyone whose beliefs are different.
As someone who knows the limits of my own knowledge, I am compelled to be agnostic; I consider atheism to be as much a faith as Christianity or Islam, as atheists believe something which cannot be proven (i.e. the non-existence of an invisible deity). If this could be argued in a court of law, it might make discussing God illegal in Ireland.
Just a thought…
Comment by Ben — January 2, 2010 @ 9:27 am
I’m just trying to imagine what the world will think when Ireland makes it first prosecution and then imprisonment of someone for the crime of Blasphemy! Judges must – I hope – be lying awake at night scared stiff they don’t get handed that one to rule on! Can anyone tell me the last time a democracy threw someone in the big the house for this???
Comment by GC — January 2, 2010 @ 9:32 am
It is a long road to bring light to the dark places covered by years of neglect and perversion. I think you have the right idea. Good wishes in your fight to bring Ireland into the light of the new century and the happiness of having a life that is not dictated by fools and clergy. You realize that the Church will collect far less taxes or alms from Ireland, the fight will be very fierce. The less the Church gets in Euros the more power each person has to do as they wish as the voices of damnation lose their volume with each coin kept in pocket. Religion is about collecting money and making a hierarchy of people who spend your money. They need to have control so that people continue to pay. Silk and Frankincense are not cheap. World Peace will be achieved with the loss of power to all Religions as people begin to live in reality and not with dogma.
Comment by Mrs Hohmann — January 2, 2010 @ 9:39 am
I’m a Christian but I think that this law is bogus. Even though some of the things that have been commented have offended me I would certainly defend the right for you all to say them.
This is because loving God should not be enforced by law because it would be meaningless because it would not be that person’s own choice. Jesus would condemn such a foolish law I am sure.
Comment by Skaro7 — January 2, 2010 @ 9:41 am
As I read this on BBC new I checked my calender. No it was 1st January and not 1st April. Yes it was year 2010 not 1020! It definately was a sad for Ireland.
So, this raises interesting questions as it would appear that this law its also selective about what you can believe in.
(1) Atheists do not believe in god. The existance of god cannot be proved or disproved so atheism has to be a belief too. Accordingly why are atheists not afforded the same protection under this law? Could it be because atheism could claim the Bible and Koran (amongst others) are blasphemous to the atheism?
(2) Then there are those who believe in other deities such as Satanists. The same question then arises!
I think I need to go and sit down with my imaginary friend and write our own book on religious teachings whilst laying claim to part of the middle-east (preferable oil-rich).
Comment by Gabriel Oaks — January 2, 2010 @ 9:44 am
Does this law cover leprechauns? As I think the odds of any god existing is the same as the chance of finding leprechauns or fairies at the bottom of your garden.
What are the Irish doing with this archaic law? I support Atheist Ireland with their campaign.
Comment by Dan the anti-theist — January 2, 2010 @ 9:44 am
this is so ridiculous it is truly unbelievable, as well as dangerous; and is tantamount to the ‘thought police’ in 1984…
i thought in the west we were both tolerant and accepting of peoples’ beliefs and faiths, but this reeks of religious extremism, such as in iran where you can be put to death for saying publicly there is no such a thing as ‘a god’.
just for the record… jesus was a bastard and mary an unmarried tart!
(if they even existed, which no one can actually prove…)
as for god, well obviously he/it doesn’t exist, so how can you possibly insult him/it?
Comment by wagbyname — January 2, 2010 @ 9:47 am
You blasphemers will all suffer unending unimaginable tortures at my hands!
your sincerely,
God
PS: I love you.
Comment by God — January 2, 2010 @ 9:50 am
@ Ben
“I consider atheism to be as much a faith as Christianity or Islam, as atheists believe something which cannot be proven”
WE DONT!!! (believe in something which has no evidence)- you need to try harder to wrap your head around this VERY SIMPLE concept, not spout ignorant platitudes.
try looking up – “I see no dragon”
Comment by Tony B — January 2, 2010 @ 9:55 am
I’m not a follower of any religion. I checked out this website because I was interested in seeing what Atheists think. Unfortunately I see that you are, on the whole, a bunch of foul mouthed people who are no better than the religions you condemn – conclusion, Atheism is just another idea protected by people who wish to silence others. Grow up
Comment by Dave — January 2, 2010 @ 10:03 am
Blasphemy is a victemless crime
Comment by Joran — January 2, 2010 @ 10:18 am
I would begin by saying I am a religious man with a deeply held belief in God. However, this new law seems to be setting out to protect the religious sensibilities of the adherents of religion – which is NOT blasphemy. If someone’s faith is strong, then why should a religious person become angry on God’s behalf? If it’s about protecting the sensibilities of people who hold deeply held convictions about religion, why not take it to its logical conclusion, and have laws protecting atheists? Blasphemy is to do evil in the name of God. To a Talmidi such as myself, blasphemy is bringing the reputation of God into disrepute – eg by doing evil in God’s Name, by spreading hatred in God’s name. Of course, so-called religous people would not like a REAL blasphemy law, because you would have to put a lot of religious hate-mongers up for trial!
Comment by Shmuliq Parzal — January 2, 2010 @ 10:20 am
How about “God is a fucking cunt”?
Comment by Phillipus — January 2, 2010 @ 10:20 am
Atheism and Humanism are concepts, not a faith. I have no objection to individuals having a personal faith, but object to the effective imposition of faith that inevitably happens by ’spreading the truth’ (a good deed in the eyes of the faithful), or ‘imposing ridiculous views’ in the eyes of us heathens.
I do respect and defend free speech completely, but would question just because something can be said, should it? All the quotes given by Atheists.ie are not openly insulting, and have a maturity to them that should be commended. Christians and Muslims, Jews and Turtleists should not impose their views through stupid medieval laws (as well as the assurance by ‘friends’ who care about me that I am destined to live forever in eternal torment, not because I am a bad person but because I refuse to believe in the Tooth Fai… God), but I also find unfounded statements that someone takes ‘it up the arse’ to be equally ridiculous and contemptible. Reeks of two gangs of six year old at opposite ends of a playground shouting meaningless onscentities at each other.
It just serves to demean and belittle us free-thinkers. I would wonder though if ‘atheists’ such as this are actually free-thinkers, as they seem to be as deeply smothered in infantile bile as the other lot. Bit of maturity anyone?
Comment by Chris N — January 2, 2010 @ 10:27 am
There is no no God. The imaginary gods of the christians, jews, muslims, vikings, etc are violent thuggish manifestations of the imaginings of violent and thuggish power freaks.
]
I wonder if the Irish law extends EU wide and we [ other EU citizens ] can be extradited?
Ok if they want to come and get me, Jesus is a horse fucker. [ no offence meant personally mate
It will be very interesting to see court cases being fought over this one, no doubt it will be a shambles and cost lots of money and time.
Steve Price , Malvern, Worcestershire , England. come and find me then, thought police.
Comment by steve p — January 2, 2010 @ 10:28 am
@Dave
I agree that perhaps some of the posters arguments on this site should be better phrased. But yet I find most of the comments pretty funny.
Thinking about it for a second, isn’t the Blasphemy law itself blasphemy? The mere existence of this law implies that the Irish Government somehow thinks that God needs protecting from unruly speech – therefore they must think that God is weak and just a little bit helpless. Oh dear, now that IS blasphemy!
So goodbye Irish government – you’re all going to hell. Well, you would, if such a place existed. Which of course it doesn’t because God is all forgiving.
Comment by Hugo Rune — January 2, 2010 @ 10:31 am
I think that there is some misunderstanding of the reason why there are “God is a cunt” postings on this tread, it is not to insult the religious [ mostly anyway ] it is to challenge the law, even if clumsily. The authorities have stirred a big wasps nest with this law.
Comment by steve p — January 2, 2010 @ 10:35 am
@317. “Blasphemy is an idea thought up by those who cannot defend their ideas against better ideas; it is a tool for maintaining political power through religious means.”
Not quite. Religion itself was invented for purpose of grabbing and holding of political power. A blasphemy law is just an attempt to shore up religion.
Comment by kpappleby — January 2, 2010 @ 10:45 am
Good on you! I look forward to bringing a blasphemy case against the Catholic church should they dare to comment on my newly formed religion which is based on the worship of a pair of decapitated pigs bollocks.
Comment by AJDAvies — January 2, 2010 @ 10:45 am
Ireland, the butt of jokes for centuries, has made good progress in showing itself to be a modern, cosmopolitan, forward thinking, integrated, European power.
Shall we start again children?
“They shall set aside 99% of their land to house the blaspheming non payers of fines and they shall call it ‘Full’ and above the gates shall hang a sign declaring the truth and it shall say ‘Sensible Ireland’”
Harry
Comment by Harry — January 2, 2010 @ 10:47 am
Hi, I’m from India and not an atheist, but I completely support Atheist Ireland in its fight against these silly anti-blasphemy laws. I believe in free expression of ideas.
Comment by Udayan — January 2, 2010 @ 10:47 am
James Joyce never returned to Ireland for fear they would throw quicklime in his eyes.
The Irish Inquisition has now devised a new form of torture- a E 25000 fine for “blasphemy”,called freedom of speech in enlightened secular societies.
Poor Ireland rushing headlong into the 15th century,the dream of Paradise Now ruined by reckless bankers, but still in love with the old Theocracy;the police and justice system still protecting criminal Priests and Bishops.
When will we have secular education,free of church intolerance both South and North.When will we have a Constitution where no religion has a priveleged position.
Comment by Daniel Daly — January 2, 2010 @ 10:54 am
Greetings to Irish Atheists from Finland
It is very sad and disturbing that things like the Irish blasphemy law can still happen in modern Europe.
For some reason only the religious ideas seem to be protected from critical evaluation.
By the nature of religious dogma it should be impossible to hurt them or their gods so why is it that
religious people are so sensitive to anything said against their beliefs. This suggests that people instinctively
know that their religion is fiction and try to protect it for one reason or another.
I’m quite hopeful for secularists though since it seems we are gathering strength in a lot of places.
In Finland 181 359 people have left the Finnish state church (since -06) through a web service that allows
people to do it in just a few minutes. Hopefully this trend will continue and get stronger.
As they say: Keep fighting the good fight!
Comment by Ville — January 2, 2010 @ 11:01 am
Why not also test out this new law in other ways?
From your website I am given to understand that the following is quoted in Hadith of Bukhari, Vol 1 Book 8 Hadith 427: “May Allah curse the Jews and Christians for they built the places of worship at the graves of their prophets.” This quote is attributed to Muhammad on his death-bed as a warning to Muslims not to copy this practice of the Jews and Christians. It is one of several passages in the Koran and in Hadith that can give a scriptural foundation to Islamic anti-Semitism, including the assertion in Sura 5:60 that Allah cursed Jews and turned some of them into apes and swine.
If the law states “blasphemy as publishing or uttering matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby intentionally causing outrage among a substantial number of adherents of that religion” then have a number of people raise issue that this is blasphemous.
Get it into court and eventually the blasphemy law will disappear up its own deity.
Obviously it could be argued that there is a defence here as the text is part of another religion’s fundamental teachings so move to challenge that!
A law that is selective about which religions can blaspheme against other but are protected by law should not stand for long!
Finally could it be argued that the law is blasphemous itself through its failure to not recognise the beliefs of atheists?
Comment by Colin Watts — January 2, 2010 @ 11:05 am
Juvenile. Name calling. Idiotic. Immature.
You have (as one famous atheist Irishman said in another context) disgraced yourselves again.
Grow up.
Comment by Paddy Murray — January 2, 2010 @ 11:06 am
“Religious belief is a mental illness” – Angela Kingdom.
Comment by Angela Kingdom — January 2, 2010 @ 11:07 am
We can not have these Religious Fascists dragging us back 500 years after all the sacrifices that have taken place to push mankind forward against the wishers of these self serving organisations. We would all still be sitting in poverty watching the sun go around the earth if we still followed what these idiots have been telling us.
Comment by Neill — January 2, 2010 @ 11:10 am
“Mediocre, badly planed move. You had enough time to come up with something smart against a medieval law, this is laughable. Remove the religion and what you get is a mass of ignorant and incoherent people.”
Is not the “mass of ignorant and incoherent people” there already? Did they not just pass a blasphemey law?
In any event who exactly is this law designed to protect?
Are the religions of this world so weak that that cannot stand up to adverse comment?
Do Gods need mans law to protect themselves?
Or is it more a case of the ‘religious leaders’ need more ways of trying to control the masses whilst silencing those dissenters who don’t believe in imaginary friends?
Hmm, difficult one this…..
Comment by Gabriel Oaks — January 2, 2010 @ 11:15 am
If you just read all the comments, these smart and loveable people left.
I want each one of you to remember these quotes
so you can repeat it to yourselves and families when and if you get older/wiser.
You can see why they had to come up with a law like that.
PS. Lets see how fast a moron takes offence to this.
Comment by Mitch — January 2, 2010 @ 11:17 am
It’s a shame so many comments are purile, derogatory rubbish. There is no proof of any God ever existing, and religious dogma has been used and abused and set the human race back in its search for truth and knowledge. To have a law that protects such fantasies is ridiculous and purile itself, but to make playground comments here about others’ (misguided) beliefs does not challenge them to change and says more about the commenters’ lack of critical faculty and intelligence.
Comment by Yahoo Google — January 2, 2010 @ 11:22 am
Is the previoysly posted comment “God is a f*cking c*nt” blasphemous because it insults God with rude words or because it implies God is a woman?
Can we have some clarification please?
Comment by Patrick Fenlon — January 2, 2010 @ 11:28 am
All I said to my wife was, “That piece of halibut was good enough for Jehovah”
Comment by All Praise The Pythons — January 2, 2010 @ 11:31 am
Blasphemy is as easily given a legal definition as pornography.
Look at the problems that trying to draft and enforce pornography law has caused.
… and there I was thinking that all the intellectually challenged Irish politicians were in the six counties.
Comment by Tom Billesley — January 2, 2010 @ 11:36 am
In the Netherlands we are trying to withdraw the laws on blasfemy. Unfortunately, our gouvernement is led by christian democrats, they are able to block a majority in parlement(!) We are wachting the developments in Ireland closely.
Good luck!
Comment by Andries — January 2, 2010 @ 11:36 am
I’m with you on this blasphemy law. It is being used by Muslims worldwide to enable heinous acts against minorities, and even against disadvantaged Muslims. And now they want to globalize it. That Europe is falling in line is a sign that it has lost its discernment and its identity.
But your quote in #2, regarding Jesus calling the Jews evil, is misconstrued. He was speaking to those who knew of his good works yet opposed him. Sure, the quote *could* be taken by the ignorant and hateful as a basis for Jew hatred, but this was neither the intent of Jesus or the writer of the Gospel.
Comment by Paul B. — January 2, 2010 @ 11:38 am
I am a Jew and even I don’t see how any of these quotes are blasphemy. Maybe I’m just stupid or I just don’t care enough to let it bother me like it does other people.
As for Atheists I just don’t understand how you don’t believe in a God.. logic dictates that in order to not believe you must have believed it was in the first place. It would be in the same order I don’t see the wind but I feel it but I don’t believe it is really the wind, I can breath but I can’t see the oxygen molecules so it must not exist.
However you are more then welcome to believe in nothing if that is what you believe in
Comment by Scott Grayban — January 2, 2010 @ 11:40 am
I live in Ireland and am an Irish citizen.
I am also an Atheist.
Ireland is great in many way, but it seems to be getting less and less great everyday.
Our politicians are either crooks or incompetent or a bit brain-dead.
Our medical system is seemingly on the verge of collapse… followed by the education system.
Bankers wrote our laws through bribery and coercion.
Sectarian crime is on the rise again, as is murder.
Our so called religions leaders stood by as the nations children were raped. In fact many of them assisted the rape of these children.
And yet I, as a tax paying, law abiding, father and citizen will be fined for calling Irish Catholicism a farce.
Well, listen, it is a farce. And as those that have suffered immeasurably at it’s hand can tell you, it should be openly and clearly denounced.
Add my name to the list of people that are both more moral than my countries religious leaders and yet more likely to be prosecuted for unlawful behaviour.
If every crooked banker and kiddie-fiddling priest is jailed, then maybe you can start jailing Atheists.
Until then, you can take your hypocrisy and stick it up your backside.
Atheism is the one truth. All other faiths are abominations.
Comment by Chris O'Brien — January 2, 2010 @ 11:42 am
I think what the comments on here prove is that the atheist is just as closed-minded as any religious fanatic. It may be that a lot of these hateful comments are being made by teenagers, but still…hate is not the most attractive of human emotions no matter what you believe or don’t believe. I believe that spreading hate should rightly be a crime. The more I read the comments here the more the new law sounds reasonable. Respect is needed within a multicultural society and if people can’t respect other people then laws have to be made. The Irish government may be morons and the law may be a bit of a disgrace, but if it can do anything to reduce the spread of hate-speech it has to be a good thing.
Comment by Joe Quinn — January 2, 2010 @ 11:43 am
Surely unenforceable in this country since all judges must swear a christian oath to take up a position on the bench. There is no prospect of a fair trial for a non-christian charged under this law for blasphemy against christianity and tried before an inherently biased judge. All judges would be forced to recuse themselves.
Comment by Richard — January 2, 2010 @ 11:47 am
Great to see a healthy reaction to a dangerous law.
Zet said
“But… this is ridiculous. The blasphemy law clearly is not about denying an expression of ideas, as ideas are not blasphemous. As is stated above, blasphemy is considered to be something “grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby intentionally causing outrage”. In essence then it is not a law which threatens to strangle a secular Ireland, but it is a law protecting the rights of the religious from having to deal with anyone who is “grossly abusive or insulting” to their most sacred beliefs.”
Ideas are blasphemous. The earth is not the centre of the universe. The animals and plants around us were not made by a supreme being.
After expressing the first idea, Galileo was tried in front of a religious court and placed under house arrest. On expressing the second idea teachers are subject to abuse from a well organised and funded religious fundamentalist campaign. There will always be some of the religious who find such ideas “grossly abusive or insulting to their most sacred beliefs.” The law should not protect these people from these ideas. Quite the reverse.
Zet, you “don’t see how protecting the rights of religious people is worse than protecting the rights of people who want to be able to be “grossly abusive or insulting””.
Do you think Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, and/or Darwin, gentlemen all, wanted to be “grossly abusive or insulting” to (at the time) a majority, or at least a considerable minority, of their esteemed colleagues?
The ideas they expressed were not intended to be insulting, and given my admiration for these people, I might choose to find it grossly insulting that you cast such aspersions on their characters. Should the law then censor you? Just because I am feeling especially sensitive this morning about protecting the good name of some of my favourite grey-haired role models?
Should I be prevented from discussing the following because I know it is likely to outrage and offend those whose condition it describes?
Viruses use our bodies to their own profit, multiplying and passing themselves on despite our best efforts to control them. Religions use our minds to their own profit, multiplying and passing themselves on. Clear thinking is our only defense from viruses of the mind.
Think clearly for one moment about these rules, common to the most virulent religions:
1. Don’t fight it. Don’t even think about questioning it.
2. Pass it on to your children.
3. Pass it on to other children (the younger the better) and anyone you meet.
4. If you find someone who is resistant to the spread of your strain (due, for example, to inoculation with another strain), declare their beliefs blasphemous. This can then be used as an excuse to a) Kill them (old school) b) Kill their strain (burn their books). c) Kill their future (take them to court, and steal their time and money).
At each step the religious strain in question profits at the expense of the minds and lives of the puppets it has taken over, and the well being of humanity. Blasphemy laws are the symptom which arises when the infection gets so bad it start to control the state as well as some of its citizens.
My intention is not to cause outrage, so perhaps technically I have failed to be blasphemous. I simply believe we have a moral duty to protect our children and our cultures from viruses of the mind such as religion.
Stuart
Comment by Stuart J.E. Baird — January 2, 2010 @ 11:49 am
Countries use blasphemy laws to victimize non-members of, and dissident members of, the ruling sect or cult.
However, if Ireland wants to claim then that is not the case then perhaps it will allow any person charged under this blasphemy law to cross-examine God in the witness box.
If the law is God’s will then God needs to be cross-examined.
It should not be a priest or some other claimed representative of God as the law is about irreverence against God. Furthermore the defendant would need to be assured this really was God’s representative let alone issues of hearsay.
Surely if God sees all then he can find the time to attend court!
Comment by Gabriel Oaks — January 2, 2010 @ 11:53 am
Shame on you all!
As a good and law abiding Irishman, actually a Plastic Paddy, resident in Brisbane, I have informed Garda.ie crime prevention, of your continued blasphemy. Expect to feel the solid, cold and above all hard truncheon of a stern faced Garda sometime soon, preferably in the rear. That will wipe the sickly grin off your blasphemous mug!
Best of luck testing this stupid piece of legislation. Note tho that this is a trend involving “terra” as a war party. Anything so that you do not notice that they are stealing from you. Take care, as the world is literally, going to be a colder place soon!
Comment by Pat Donnelly — January 2, 2010 @ 11:54 am
Thank you all for all your oh-so-well thought out and helpful posts. Some of the language and attitudes displayed has been disgusting, offensive, and does not show an ounce of respect or love. I came on to explore this issue and to understand a different viewpoint, but the majority of these posts displays a picture of a hateful bunch.
Thank you to those of you who actually posted with respect and love, and educated me in some way.
Comment by Neal Wilkinson — January 2, 2010 @ 11:56 am
- I think it was “Blessed are the cheesemakers”.
- Aha, what’s so special about the cheesemakers?
- Well, obviously it’s not meant to be taken literally; it refers to any manufacturers of dairy products.
Comment by Mark Edwards — January 2, 2010 @ 11:56 am
What this does is highlight the continued problem of millions of people who prefer to ignore the realities around them, and let themselves be spoonfed ‘answers’ to life’s mysteries. Essentially, it is cowardly; the unwillingness to face the fact that we don’t know all the answers, and WE NEVER WILL. If this law is arrogant, then it is nothing compared to the arrogance of the leaders of all the different churches who walk through this world (or are driven in luxury limos) proclaiming that they have all the answers. If only we could turn laws like this on their head and use them to muzzle the arrogant misleaders. Believe what you want, I say, but do it inside your own heart, where belief belongs.
Comment by Ivan (Madrid) — January 2, 2010 @ 11:56 am
Weak. You claim the quotes would violate the law without offering one piece of evidence. You managed to write a cheap hacket job without much insight. Try again, but please put thought into words.
Comment by Publuis — January 2, 2010 @ 11:58 am
Like implementers of underpowered marketing and opinion polls, it is regrettable that those who preach also claim to be Representatives. A sampled perspective does not guarantee the inferences about a population are more likely to be true. If gathering the facts seems too much like hard work, please Unplug Everything And Stay At Home. A few simple misplaced assumptions never made a strong foundation for a prophetic pitch from a gilded soap box. Biased, valedictory consciousness is only pretty in the eyes of the Beholder. The beholden think you are a tool; here, we muse on this and pick our noses while you only pick fights.
Some individuals in the business of cults – exponents of the dogmas of commerce/religion/government – are already deluded by perceptions wrought from an inherited, fragile grasp of context and Wisdom; others need to work themselves up into a bit of a righteous and poisonous fug before unleashing their branded like-mindedness. Thank you for deciding I need to be protected, ethically instructed and controlled. Pure, like You. The Greedy need to manifest control in order to justify their behaviour and thinking, but this does not make them more righteous than their imagined audience. They appear demented, overwhelmed by Responsibility and Mandate. When you assume your ugly message falls on appreciative, sympathetic ears and imaginations, you construe a lot of Need and therefore hobby time for Devotion And Damnation of incompatible systems of control. I’d have thought that the curriculum vitae of the uniformed papacy and Church speaks volumes. Murder, oppression and suppression, Superstition and Incest, money lending, regimented and enforced denial, insanely glorious Hypocrisy, and the occasional bit of debauched rape and paedophilia in the name of God.* There’s not much evidence of having learned to move along. Remind me again why you employed this person, why you adhere to His bent scripture, why you hungrily flock to participate? What’s in it for you after the fawning – holiday snaps and trophy T-shirt, a little icon of remembrance to worship and fondle, a reminder of your Place and your Guilt, your unworthiness? What did the Message teach you to expect?
Calm down. You don’t need to spend money on philosophy. Read a few books. Think. Don’t assume those with the loudest voices are right; they’re usually in a position to be heard because they’ve reached a gross compromise, cut their losses and are now worried whether their endowment policy for salvation will mature before the lights go out. If you’re really unlucky, they will have their Legacy on their minds too and you’re twice the idiot you didn’t realise you were.
This is grim and probably gets on my tits. I’d happily twitter about someone who could fornicate on an origami tissue-paper flowerbed without creasing it: more graceful balance, dignity and thought probably went into it.
*It also strikes me as a rather unconventional way to spend your earned crust.
Comment by Freddie — January 2, 2010 @ 11:59 am
“….. from the comments I have read so far is that you so called atheist are confused about life. …. God exits and someday he would come etc with a claimed posting by “Jesus the only savior “
Would not claiming to be “Jesus the only saviour” be considered to be blasphemy?
Comment by Gabriel Oaks — January 2, 2010 @ 11:59 am
After reading all the above comments. I just wanted to say that
May Allah guide you to the right path.
Comment by Syyed Faizan Ali — January 2, 2010 @ 11:59 am
With regard to Scott Grayban, comment 352, do you not understand how anyone doesn’t believe in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy because logic dictates that we one believed in them? I’m afraid that your argument doesn’t hold water. Atheists don’t believe in God because his existence is unbelievable. It’s as simple as that.
Here in the UK the only sensible thing this government has done is to abolish the blasphemy laws. Here’s hoping that Ireland sees sense one day as well. Maybe a mass protest with blasphemous banners would draw attention to the cause. They couldn’t arrest and fine everyone surely?
Comment by Geoff Henson — January 2, 2010 @ 12:00 pm
Something is blasphemous only within a certain group; outside the group an opinion is merely an opinion. This case is no different from the furore around the Danish cartoons of the Muslim prophet – to most people they were merely cartoons. Indeed, it’s no different from anything that anyone might find offensive. If you don’t like something don’t read it, listen to it, or watch it. It seems to me that we are rapidly approaching the day when no one is allowed to express an opinion about anything for fear of causing offence.
Comment by David — January 2, 2010 @ 12:00 pm
Secularism must prevail for the sake of a rational existence! Good luck
Comment by Rick — January 2, 2010 @ 12:05 pm
I’ll soon be talking about this on BBC World Service Radio’s Newshour http://bit.ly/14Ta4
Comment by Michael Nugent — January 2, 2010 @ 12:05 pm
Whats next ? Evolution to be no longer taught in Ireland because it contradicts the bible …blasphemy.
Comment by Thomas De Brun — January 2, 2010 @ 12:08 pm
What a splendid waste of time, energy and intelligence devoting a lot of the little time you have on earth making fun of something you think is imaginary. Atheism is as rational as devoting your life to pissing somebody else off. A truly natural and civil state of affairs, just like the ‘good old days’ before somebody discovered we weren’t completely like bonobos or geese.
But there is something to be said about protecting the ‘rights’ of those who want to do that. If you don’t like their crap, ignore it. It’s not like walking in a doggy doo,is it?
Comment by Popsi — January 2, 2010 @ 12:08 pm
I say Amen! If political beliefs can be publicly debated, parodied, challenged and mocked, than so can religious beliefs. No special rights for believers!
Comment by Ross — January 2, 2010 @ 12:14 pm
I am Irish and over the years I thought the country was becoming more liberal and open minded. I refuted the blind dogma of the Catholic church years ago. There is no God and faith is no argument for belief. All religion is not only wrong but dngerously wrong – this law is evidence of that. I am entitled to repsect for my views and as an atheist I say all religion is bollocks and all clerics dself deluded fools. That is no God.
Challenge the law – refuse to pay the fines – I am ashamed of our government.
Comment by Terry Brereton — January 2, 2010 @ 12:16 pm
Keep up the good work. I am glad there are so many people who want to live in the 21st century, not the 12th. Keep up the great work!
Comment by Andrew Riddles — January 2, 2010 @ 12:17 pm
When did the Brian Lenihan find out about his cancer: a week ago? a month ago? six months ago?
St Peter: “What good did you do?”
BL: “I voted for the blasphemy law in Ireland.”
St Peter: “Welcome to Heaven.”
These politicians, they think of everything.
Comment by GMcD — January 2, 2010 @ 12:22 pm
I believe in free-speech and democracy and I am a roman catholic even if not practicing..as for me,you can believe or not but about “blasphemy”..Even if all of you are free to think whatever I do not feel fair to insult what is holy for someone else. You can trust or not,if you don’t just neglect..why this needing for offence? I am spanish,and I apologize if my english does not sound well understandable..but even not being a religious person I still feel deeply uncomfortable with these insults to some holy characters,same from any religion.
Freedom ends where you are offending others. And I prefer always to RESPECT. By the way,I am used to respect,my husband is muslim and that is the key of a good living together.
Comment by Maria G — January 2, 2010 @ 12:28 pm
So we’ve found our way out of the recession…. a swear jar!
Comment by padraig — January 2, 2010 @ 12:29 pm
Hebrews 1:2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.
Comment by curt — January 2, 2010 @ 12:30 pm
At Joe Quinn et al: Even though some of the comments are perhaps childish and crass, the comments wouldn’t even have been posted except for the introduction of the law. The law created these comments so it makes no sense concluding that “The more I read the comments here the more the new law sounds reasonable”. And while attempting to talk reason. I’m inclined to agree that Atheists sound more and more like their religious counterparts in their sometimes overtly arrogant stance that god does not exist. There is no convincing evidence either way so surely the logical conclusion is to be an Agnostic. Human arrogance especially when combined with a religious stance is what has caused most of the problems in our history, the “we’re right, everyone else is wrong” attitude that makes it so easy to belittle and dehumanize and seems to be a factor in modern Atheism but that is a different argument. My main point is that these swear words that seem (quite bafflingly) to upset some of the readers and posters simply wouldn’t be compiled, and you wouldn’t be reading them or being shocked by them if it hadn’t been for this law. I agree that respect is needed within a multicultural society but you cannot force people to respect others using laws, you can only attempt to educate.
Comment by bonidrew — January 2, 2010 @ 12:32 pm
As an Irish citizen living overseas it’s so embarrassing that we still have such stupid and medieval laws – it enforces the patronizing stereotypes of the Irish that I find so irritating and it’s a depressing step back into theocracy.
What’s particularly worrying is that a lot of “educated?” Irish don’t see a problem with this sort of law. Why do some beliefs get legal protection from criticism but other equally deeply held beliefs don’t? Why isn’t my Atheism similarly protected from criticism? If I call it a religion is it then protected? Maybe next we should make it illegal to criticize somebody’s political beliefs too, then we can really jump wholeheartedly back into the middle ages! Texas here we come!
I also didn’t know that the Irish constitution effectively forbade presidents/judges who weren’t adherents to one of the Abrahamic(monotheistic)religions! What do the poor Buddhists/Taoists/Jains/Hindus/Confucians/Animists etc.etc. do in Ireland? Are they cool with their second-class status? I doubt it!
Comment by Steven Molteno — January 2, 2010 @ 12:36 pm
Well done. I hope that UK secularists will support you not only morally but financially, if necessary, should you be prosecuted under this fatuous, repressive and inequitable law. We raised over £100,000 in a very short time simply to fund atheist adverts. Get in touch with the NSS and the BHA if you need some fund-raising.
Someone in the first post describes the blasphemy law as belonging to the Dark Ages. Indeed it does and has been passed to protect beliefs which themselves belong in the Dark Ages.
Comment by Michael Green — January 2, 2010 @ 12:38 pm
Hi. I used to be a convinced atheist. Then I discovered that I actually shared a core religious belief. Every religion believes that all other religions are wrong. And I agree with them!
It is irrefutably impossible to believe that one religion is correct without necessarily believing that all others are wrong. (Otherwise what’s the point?) Blasphemy is simply the expression of that belief.
The idea that a “God” who controls the universe and will dole out virgins, nirvana and hell as he sees fit needs a blasphemy law to look after his interests on earth is unutterably laughable.
All this law will achieve is to protect the interests of those who control one particular religion. I should have thought the Irish people had all the evidence they needed in this past year of what such protection leads to. Certainly nothing that could be described as “godly”!
And by the way, I’m even more convinced that atheism is the only world view that isn’t deeply offensive. There is no god. There is no hell. Get on with your life.
Comment by Clive Russell — January 2, 2010 @ 12:39 pm
The problem with this law is that, in itself, it is highly provocative. Mild-mannered believers in free speech, who would never previously have said boo to a goose, will be so outraged by this law that they will feel obliged to make obscene comments on religion (see previous posts)just to affirm their right to freedom of speech. This will provoke violent reaction from religius extremists and there will be blood on the streets. Perhaps, just to maintain some form of balance, the Irish government should pass a law making violent crime carried out in the name of religion a specific offence subject to harsher than normal penalties.
Comment by Bill - UK — January 2, 2010 @ 12:39 pm
DOPE ON A ROPE, Rome, Saturday (NTN) — The Vatican® has stated that the rape© of children by Catholic™ priests is protected by a “special and unique” copyright, and anyone attempting to discuss the matter will be sued, excommunicated and declared a Suppressive Person.
“Recent years have witnessed a great increase of affection and esteem for the person of the Holy Father™, L. Benedict Ratzinger®,” said the statement. “As such, any person or organisation seeking to name, defame or allude to His Holiness®, any of his Bishops™ or Priests™, or any activities of any of said persons in any capacity, shall be deemed to have violated the Sacred Covenant of Berne, to be a ‘no case gain’ Suppressive Person and to be duly excommunicated and sued into atomic dust. ALWAYS ATTACK, NEVER DEFEND.”
Evidence only recently brought to light, “which we can’t show you, it’s copyright,” apparently demonstrates that playwright William Shakespeare™ was secretly Catholic. “So we’re claiming copyright in everything he did too. And Francis Bacon™. And the Earl of Oxford™.”
The Church’s lawyers have worked hard to defend their intellectual property rights on such creative works as those of the Irish priests upon their young charges that only recently came to light. “Our determination to protect and preserve the rights to view, discuss or know about these three-dimensional kinetic performance works, and our tour support for the priests to take these works ‘on the road’ to new parishes, demonstrates the unimpeachable sincerity of our stance — firmly behind the artists. Legs wide, of course.”
The Pope™ himself has been appalled at the reaction to his recent decision to beatify Adolf Hitler, and described his visit to the Pius XII memorial as “an upsetting encounter with cruelty and senseless hatred. I didn’t like it much either.”
Comment by David Gerard — January 2, 2010 @ 12:42 pm
Good job! Blasphemy is a human’s right.
Comment by Antoine Sportiello — January 2, 2010 @ 12:43 pm
Mr bonidrew, I really did arrive at this blog annoyed with the law, but the more I read the more it became obvious that there would be some benefits from it. I do not believe in god/gods but I find the insults of the atheist to be shameful. I also believe that these hateful comments are deeply felt by some of the posters here and not just because of some law; that really is worrying. I am originally from Ireland and it is sad to think that the athiests have just joined the other religious groups in being convinced of thier rightousness.
People should believe what they want, but don’t mock other people or view them as ignorant because they don’t share your views. http://bit.ly/5WtCyW
Comment by Joe Quinn — January 2, 2010 @ 12:43 pm
The virulence of the anti-religious sentiments above, combined with the ECHR’s absurd logic in the recent case about the Cross in Italian state-funded schools, demonstrate clearly how freedom of speech and religious freedom can be abused, and how rabid atheists and secularists can inculcate as much if not more hatred in the world as extremists religious fanatics. The Church can be separate from the State, and the public separate from the private, but Heaven forbid if the State and secularism attempt to drive morality and faith out of the Public space. Freedom of religion includes freedom of its expression and its practice in public as well as in private, and freedom from fear requires that those who exercise freedom of speech must do so responsibly and not to the detriment of social cohesion. That is why some kind of law against blasphemy is appropriate, just as are laws against the incitement of racial hatred. If you think otherwise, you are the problem, not the solution. Atheists, and secularists, if rabid and intolerant, have as much capacity for bigotry as any zealot.
Comment by Martin Nell — January 2, 2010 @ 12:45 pm
Interesting to see that many of comments on this article are sexual references to biblical figures. So what do the writers of this blog want atheism in Ireland to stand for – a reasoned belief that there is no god, or a vehicle for tasteless joke tellers to deliberately upset religious people through jokes like the above?
I’m not religious either, and I would oppose this law too, but the Guardian article on this is sending a lot of traffic to this blog. And what will people (atheists included) in the UK think of the movement as they click to your blog from the article that portrays the movement as one of free speech? Are they likely to come away with a positive view of your supporters?
Of course free speech suggests everyone should have the right to tell any joke they like, but there surely needs to be a point in such speech beyond the excuse that the law doesn’t protect atheist beliefs, so jokes against atheism are permissable. Surely you can rise above that and choose not to sling mud back.
Comment by Matt — January 2, 2010 @ 12:45 pm
First let me say, WOW, on two things on 25 “tests”:
1. Congratulations to Atheist Ireland for not including the Judaism/Moses in the list.
2. The first 3 are directly about Christianity and Islam, rest 22 “Blasphemous Quotes” are, again, loosely related to Christianity or Islam.
So, the test is for two religion only with exception of intellectual Bjork quote. (third WOW for so inspiring quote)
Now, read the comments, full of “fuck”, “cunt”, etc, sound very constructive arguments. ;=)
What could have been a clever idea is to publish a list of testing blasphemy on (say top 20) religions of the world.
Comment by The Man — January 2, 2010 @ 12:47 pm
maybe you should add Jesus Christ Superstar?
“So, you are the Christ, you’re the great Jesus Christ.
Prove to me that you’re divine, change my water into wine.
That’s all you need do, and I’ll know it’s all true.
Come on, King of the Jews.
Jesus, you just won’t believe the hit you’ve made ’round here.
You are all we talk about, the wonder of the year.
Oh what a pity if it’s all a lie.
Still, I’m sure that you can rock the cynics if you try.
So, you are the Christ, you’re the great Jesus Christ.
Prove to me that you’re no fool; walk across my swimming pool.
If you do that for me, then I’ll let you go free.
Come on, King of the Jews.”
Comment by jonah jones — January 2, 2010 @ 12:51 pm
A million Dubliners will be fined daily: Jaysus Christ!
Comment by Paul McGrath — January 2, 2010 @ 12:51 pm
Congratulations. We have to fight for the True….
And if the other do not follow the true, we have the right to take them to the court to be punished send them to the jail.
(Oh my GOD.. I am getting religious thoughts!)
M.
Comment by Manuel Graça — January 2, 2010 @ 12:51 pm
The Celtic Tiger has whimpered so Ireland retracts to the Dark Ages.
Comment by Paul McGrath — January 2, 2010 @ 12:52 pm
Since no-one else seems to be saying so: one does not have to be an atheist to oppose this law and laws like it. I am not an atheist but I am vigorously opposed to any curtailment of freedom of speech based on the sensitivities of any particular group – be they a religion or something else. It is a fragile belief system that cannot take criticism, parody, or even outright vilification. Nothing on this site offends me even in the slightest.
I can’t help but think laws like this are re-emerging in part because of Islam’s thin skin. If we have to tiptoe around the sensitivities of Muslims using the law, then Governments think they have to generalize this to all religion (otherwise Islam becomes a special case). So all of a sudden we have to be careful about *all* religious sensitivities and the thin end of the wedge has suddenly become fat and is splitting asunder our basic freedoms and the progress of the last thousand years.
It is also – of course – a symptom of the ever-expanding winding back of hard-won civil liberties throughout Western countries in the name of “fighting terrorism” (when will people understand that lunatic militants cannot be appeased by pandering to their medieval sensitivities?), “protecting the children”(pity about eg the children in Darfur, no-one care about them), and using these specious justifications to apply technological advances to monitor and control the population (because they can).
Comment by Phil — January 2, 2010 @ 12:53 pm
You have my support from France: Ireland deserves more than that!
Comment by Emmanuel Fujioka — January 2, 2010 @ 12:53 pm
Destroy ALL religions.
Comment by valisk — January 2, 2010 @ 12:54 pm
I like that Frank Zappa speaks of Santa Claus!
In the end, I think this website is quite pitiful. To spend time purposefully trying to offend others is a waste of time and simply not compassionate. There are true human rights issues in this world that attempt to help others and this website and purpose is only meant to piss people off. You will get no where in trying to reverse this law by this website alone.
Comment by Diane — January 2, 2010 @ 12:55 pm
I do agree – entirely – with the aims of Atheist Ireland; in the case certainly the law is indeed an ass.
As for the comments here I think a lot of those commenting should grow up a bit.
Too easy to say e.g. “fuck your God &c., &c.” Come on! being a naughty boy and blowing raspberries is simply not good enough. If atheists are to demonstrate that they are correct, then the language of the gutter is not the way to do it!
Paul
Comment by Paul Leclercq — January 2, 2010 @ 12:55 pm
Great to see a healthy reaction to a dangerous law.
Zet said
“But… this is ridiculous. The blasphemy law clearly is not about denying an expression of ideas, as ideas are not blasphemous. As is stated above, blasphemy is considered to be something “grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby intentionally causing outrage”. In essence then it is not a law which threatens to strangle a secular Ireland, but it is a law protecting the rights of the religious from having to deal with anyone who is “grossly abusive or insulting” to their most sacred beliefs.”
Ideas are blasphemous. The earth is not the centre of the universe. The animals and plants around us were not made by a supreme being.
After expressing the first idea, Galileo was tried in front of a religious court and placed under house arrest. On expressing the second idea teachers are subject to abuse from a well organised and funded religious fundamentalist campaign. There will always be some of the religious who find such ideas “grossly abusive or insulting to their most sacred beliefs.” The law should not protect these people from these ideas. Quite the reverse.
Zet, you “don’t see how protecting the rights of religious people is worse than protecting the rights of people who want to be able to be “grossly abusive or insulting””.
Do you think Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, and/or Darwin, gentlemen all, wanted to be “grossly abusive or insulting” to (at the time) a majority, or at least a considerable minority, of their esteemed colleagues?
The ideas they expressed were not intended to be insulting, and given my admiration for these people, I might choose to find it grossly insulting that you cast such aspersions on their characters. Should the law then censor you? Just because I am feeling especially sensitive this morning about protecting the good name of some of my favourite grey-haired role models?
Should I be prevented from discussing the following because I know it is likely to outrage and offend those whose condition it describes?
Viruses use our bodies to their own profit, multiplying and passing themselves on despite our best efforts to control them. Religions use our minds to their own profit, multiplying and passing themselves on. Clear thinking is our only defense from viruses of the mind.
Think clearly for one moment about these rules, common to the most virulent religions:
1. Don’t fight it. Don’t even think about questioning it.
2. Pass it on to your children.
3. Pass it on to other children (the younger the better) and anyone you meet.
4. If you find someone who is resistant to the spread of your strain (due, for example, to inoculation with another strain), declare their beliefs blasphemous. This can then be used as an excuse to a) Kill them (old school) b) Kill their strain (burn their books). c) Kill their future (take them to court, and steal their time and money).
At each step the religious strain in question profits at the expense of the minds and lives of the puppets it has taken over, and the well being of humanity. Blasphemy laws are the symptom which arises when the infection gets so bad it start to control the state as well as some of its citizens.
My intention is not to cause outrage, so perhaps technically I have failed to be blasphemous. I simply believe we have a moral duty to protect our children and our cultures from viruses of the mind such as religion. The best protection is to make our mental immune systems aware of their existence and properties.
Stuart
Comment by Stuart J.E. Baird — January 2, 2010 @ 1:00 pm
How is a religion defined. Does it have to be registered in Irelend before it can be blasphemed. Surely you could set up a protest religion similar to Pastafarianism where your religious belief is to offend all other religions, therefore becoming exempt from the silly laws!
Comment by Alex — January 2, 2010 @ 1:02 pm
I wonder why this did not make the cut:
“Of all the systems of religion that ever were invented, there is none more derogatory to the Almighty, more unedifying to man, more repugnant to reason, and more contradictory in itself, than this thing called Christianity. Too absurd for belief, too impossible to convince, and too inconsistent for practice, it renders the heart torpid, or produces only atheists and fanatics.”
Thomas Paine, Age of Reason
Comment by Curtis Steinmetz — January 2, 2010 @ 1:03 pm
As a northerner, I’d like to say: great work, Irish Atheists.
Hopefully this insane legislation can be destroyed at he first legal challenge.
Comment by doze — January 2, 2010 @ 1:06 pm
I hope the pope dies in a freak yachting accident. He is a genocidal, racist, nazi-supporting, paedophile-collecting, professional virgin (publicly at least) who pretends to believe in the indefensible so he can wear dresses containing more gold than most African countries have in their national reserves. The bastard lives in a massive bachelor pad palace that is only slightly smaller than the vatican state which would feed millions if used to properly serve humankind.
Oh, and jesus is pretend.
Will that do?
Comment by Nik — January 2, 2010 @ 1:07 pm
I just found the image of jesus in my weetabix (the ALDI variety)
I know a lot of people visit LIDL every week and wait for their missal in the local newspapers so I’m not trying to offend you but it must be obvious that you have made the wrong choice.
Repent, you local ALDI will welcome you to the one true church.
Comment by John Mul — January 2, 2010 @ 1:08 pm
and the fool said in his heart: there is no god……..
Comment by Martin — January 2, 2010 @ 1:09 pm
I am really pleased to learn about Ireland’s new blasphemy law.
This is a well timed piece of legislation.
As a stand-up comic new material is always difficult to find and now I have a whole season’s worth!
Thanks guys!
Comment by Patrick Fenlon — January 2, 2010 @ 1:09 pm
I projectile-vomited the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Does that make me the father of God?
Comment by Conor — January 2, 2010 @ 1:10 pm
And lo’, for Bill & Ted did turn unto them and say, “Be most excellent to one another…. And party on”.
And they did.
And all was well in the World.
Comment by Barry — January 2, 2010 @ 1:16 pm
Thanks for publishing this. Shocked that I live in a country where such a crazy, backwards law was allowed to pass. I can’t imagine this is the kind of law anyone will be charged with (unless they ‘blaspheme’ in a very public place) but I’m disgusted that our Government allowed a law that denies a significant amount of our population our freedom of expression.
Comment by Maccy — January 2, 2010 @ 1:20 pm
the muslims religious leaders or so called mullahs are just like catholic preists the are nothing but a sex deprived peadophiles its so commom in pakistan and in other muslim countries where mullahs bugger young boys and girls and no one raises a voice if they do their houses are burnt and they are killed accused of blasphemy
i can not imagine irish people allowed this to become law this is worst than taliban and mullahs in pakistan or SUHRAATAS in saudi arabia they are just a bunch of wankers child mollesters
hope all religious people burn in hell if there is one
but get that law changed in ireland or next it would be SHARIA LAW IN uk which is effective in some parts of uk already
i ran from pakistan to avoid these religious bastards not only they are in uk now but a bunch of wankers in ireland are behaving the same in ireland
Comment by a muslim in uk — January 2, 2010 @ 1:24 pm
Blasphemy is a divine right that no man made law can deny
Comment by Fergal Harkin — January 2, 2010 @ 1:24 pm
God fuck Dermot Ahern, the bitch that bred him and the dog she did it with
Comment by FR — January 2, 2010 @ 1:24 pm
Wow great stuff..I love the Irish but this is ridiculous
the jews started all this baloney with their fairy tales
ooops did I just blaspheme?
Comment by billbo — January 2, 2010 @ 1:26 pm
European Convention on Human Rights
Article 9 – Freedom of thought, conscience and religion
1. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, and to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance.
2. Freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.
Is it my reading of this piece of legislation but by denying protection to Atheists through a badly written law, the Irish government may have contravened any persons’ human rights by not enshrining beliefs in the protection?
European Court of Human Rights anyone?
Comment by Fin — January 2, 2010 @ 1:26 pm
If anyone ever finds him or herself in court charged with blasphemy then all the defence team need to do is call god as a witness to explain how hurt he/she/it feels.
If they don`t turn up….case dismissed.
What is the difference between god and Bono ?………….god does`nt walk down Grafton St thinking he`s Bono.
Comment by Jeff Wesley — January 2, 2010 @ 1:29 pm
Blasphemy, blasphemy, Jesus takes it up the ass fer me!
Comment by bilbawbaggins — January 2, 2010 @ 1:32 pm
To Scott Grayban,
Logic does not dictate that atheists had to believe in the first place. This is like saying because you are Jewish you believed in Islam. Shinto, Buddhism first before deciding it was not for you. You may indeed have expored these other faiths, but you certainly did not have to believe in them to discount them.
You may find that atheists have explored more religions than the average person who has often accepted the first and main religion imposed on them by their parents. When one sits down to study a new religion, one does not start from the perspective of believing. You start with books and people, and examine the tenacity of the content, beliefs and behavior.
Most societies around the world force some kind of god upon children at an early age. Maybe for a few years as a child you accept this blindly because the adults are telling you, but as you get older you should naturally start to question.
Most Jewish people are Jewish because their parents were Jewish.. not because they found and selected Judaism independently for themselves as a good match for their personal beliefs – which incidentally were themselves largely shaped by Jewish parents and community. One can say the same for most religions – hence the demography and distribution of religion around the world that is no doubt aided by wars and spreading the word.
The ability to physically see oxygen molecules with the naked eye is not inherent to human beings, but one can however prove or visualize their existence or lack thereof by scientific means – just like you can perform a naked body scan and show explosives or lack thereof on the body of a person that could not be perceived by our naked eye. God on the other hand cannot be proven or disproven. There is no God test – if you make one then you will most likely win the Nobel prize. That is why we say that you have faith or belief in God. There is no more evidence for your God than there is for Nordic and Ancient Greek Gods – which I am sure the majority consider to be medieval.
The Irish government would effectively like to prosecute people for bad mouthing Thor, Aphrodite, Obi Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Mr. Anderson (AKA Neo). They all have one thing in common – they are fictional characters created by man. I believe that there were in fact approximately 390,000 Jedi in UK in 2001 census, surpassing official records at the time for Judaism. 14 Sith were incidentally recorded in Scotland, so take care if you are up that way. Matrixism also apparently has about 16,000 followers. Just because these stories were written in present day it does not make them any more viable than stories written by chaps in the middle east 2000 years or so back.
Moreover the religion that the Irish Government hold most dear has over the ages persecuted so-called witches, scientists, opposed equality for women, opposed homosexuality, gone to war in the name of its God. One only has to consider that Gerry Adams, Tony Blair, George W Bush, Gordon Brown are all so-called good church going Christians to appreciate that religion and politics should never ever mix. One can say the same for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Ariel Sharon, and Benjamin Netanyahu. All people who use religion to motivate the mindless minions to kill – something that should be against any truly good persons heart irresepective of religion.
My sympathy for the Irish. Glad that I am not subject to such a ridiculous law.
Comment by OneMoreCoffee — January 2, 2010 @ 1:34 pm
ENOUGH BLASPHEMY
By that I mean, that is probably enough blasphemous comments here.
Blasphemy here was only required to bait the prosecutors of this law.
They have enough.
Now we need more.
I have seen some other Australians here. There is an Irish embassy in Australia, something to do with potatoes I suppose. google it.
I used their website to send them this…
“Hi,
I have searched a bit on your embassy website but can find no information about your new blasphemy law.
If I, an atheist (just keep that to yourself please in case I have to go through customs in Ireland), were to travel to Ireland, would I be charged under this law?
Atheism is certainly blasphemous to any religion, whichever god the followers have chosen to have faith in, but is it offensive enough to be charged with an…offence?
Is it calculated on a percentage of population that is offended? Would I be in trouble if I offended Catholics, a large percentage, but safe if I only offended followers of the Flying Spaghetti Monster – bless his noodly appendages?
Keep up the good work. The Irish sense of humour is a fine thing. It is humour isn’t it? Some people might not get it. Perhaps it would have been better to bring it into farce, er..force, on April 1 with a sunset clause for April 2.
Regards,
Steve.”
If I am the only one that writes to an embassy then I will be ignored. They have cocktail parties to organise.
If all you rational and passionate people all over the world contact your local Irish embassies they might inform their government that the world thinks they are a mob of dickheads.
In short…Flood the Irish embassies.
(be mindfull of your local anti-terrorism laws. We’ve already lost that much.)
PS. if this Irish law becomes widespread that would be ” be mindfull of your local blasphemy laws.”
Comment by Steve Scanlan — January 2, 2010 @ 1:36 pm
The very fact that the various religious groups are calling for the introduction of such “blasphemy” laws, goes to show how weak their foundations really are. If religion and god was real then every person on this planet would accept it as fact. The fact there are now laws to protect their lies simply highlights how feeble their fairy stories are. Religious beliefs should be categorised along with schizophrenia and psychosis. “Christ Psychosis” is now becoming an accpeted term for such mentalists.
Comment by Max — January 2, 2010 @ 1:36 pm
To all the true believers, be they Christian, Muslim, Zoroastrian, Scientologist, Hindu, Pagan, or of any other faith: I am an Atheist. I do not, as you misrepresent, believe there is no God. For me to have a belief would require there to be evidence to consider and come to a conclusion based upon. There is no evidence of a God, therefore there IS NO GOD. This is not belief, this is TRUTH. Provide credible, documentable, and verifiable evidence of a God (divine spirit, alien parasite, etc.), and only then will I be able to make any choice that would cause my atheism to be a belief. Until then, if your faith is so fragile as to not withstand others speaking against it, if your faith is so delicate that you must redefine non-believers before you can debate them, then I truly hope that your belief in an after-life is enough to sustain you, although I sincerly hope that some day you will join those of us who prefer to find meaning in the world around us.
Comment by Bob — January 2, 2010 @ 1:40 pm
Careful, Joe, your ego is showing.
I’m disappointed, people. Really, I am. Don’t we atheists claim to be rational, reasonable, compassionate people? Many comments are so puerile, it’s a bit disheartening. I realise that some of you are largely taking the abuse to an extreme to challenge the blasphemy law, but it’s mostly just ‘HURR I’M DARKER AND EDGIER.’ I enjoy a fucking good swear now and then, and a little obscenity can be as fun as spunky tits, but you’re letting the side down folks.
You can blaspheme, you can argue against religion, and you can do so politely and reasonably. It’s not hard.
This law is foolish, and I support your efforts, Atheist Ireland – even if I personally question your competence. Freedom of opinion, eh?
Comment by Grey — January 2, 2010 @ 1:40 pm
“Monotheism is the epitomical hate crime.”
The evidence to support this is embodied in this absurd law.
And if they don’t get that, then the simple premise of monotheism should suffice: believe as we tell you to, or you are damned to an eternity of torment in Hell. There is no love in monotheism, only a form of dominion and control.
Comment by Rick Yagodich — January 2, 2010 @ 1:42 pm
fuck god, fuck jesus, fuck the bible, only thing a religious book is good for is toilet paper or lighting a fire etc
fuck the church and fuck the politician that pushed this shit thru lol, WTF
Comment by adhd — January 2, 2010 @ 1:43 pm
Excellent! You have my full support. So, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor (#21) believes in the existence of “not fully human” beings – ie, those who do not believe in the “transcendent”. Interesting… there was another fellow in a pretty powerful position in Germany in the Thirties and Fourties who believed in the existence of not fully human beings too. He and his cronies called them “Untermenschen” and they devised a special treatment for these subhumans. I wonder whether the cardinal envisions a similar solution to his problem.
Comment by Joachim Krautz — January 2, 2010 @ 1:43 pm
In my country we’ve got bluelaws that were intended to defend public morality – Only Jews can have businesses open on a Sunday, no alcoholic sales on weekends, women in bikinis are not allowed more than 100 yards from the beach “Unless they are over 200 pounds, or accompanied by a man,” and so on (These are all real laws, by the way) – but no one has prosecuted them in living memory, and the only reason they’re on the books is because it’s not worth the hassle to remove them. There’s an understanding that if anyone *did* try to invoke one of these, they’d be laughed out of court.
Is it possible that your Antiblasphemy law is a poorly-worded variation on this theme? Your government says that its purpose is to circumvent religious intolerance in your Constitution, and they allow “Certain defences” to cases arising from this. I’m not trying to make some socratic point, I’m legitimately asking because I’m a dopey American and don’t know squat about Irish government or law, but I’m curious to know.
Presumably, if the purpose of the law is as they say, then they won’t bother to prosecute you.
For what it’s worth, I’m a believer myself, but I strenuously believe in free speech, and the law seems stupid to me. Not that it matters (Stupid American, and all), but I’m with you on this one.
Comment by Republibot 3.0 — January 2, 2010 @ 1:43 pm
Adding to the voices of sensibility, it does seem a shame that so many thoughtful responses are insulted by so many vulgar and crass responses.
I, for one, have some research to do as it would be interesting to understand the reasoning behind this seemingly extraordinarily regressive piece of legislation. Whatever I discover, it seems very unlikely that it will make sense!
Comment by Chris - CT USA — January 2, 2010 @ 1:47 pm
Good job. As you say, law should protect people, not ideas…
Comment by Ian Sankey — January 2, 2010 @ 1:47 pm
Dear Irish Atheists,
You have published matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by many religions and you have intentionally caused outrage among a substantial number of adherents of those religions.
The Irish Government would be failing in its constitutional duty if it were not to charge you with offences under the new laws of blasphemy.
You should be fined.
Does this help?
Cheers
DO
Comment by David Owen — January 2, 2010 @ 1:48 pm
Jesus was the bastard son of a rapist god – according to the Bible.
Comment by Antti P. Balk — January 2, 2010 @ 1:49 pm
The thing I find the funniest is how close Atheism comes to being like a real religion. Also I’m sure there are Atheist who are paedophiles as well, maybe even in positions of power over children like teachers for example, there will always be bad eggs in the basket.
Having said that the blasphemy law is ridiculous but what atheists have to understand is that religion is important to some people. A persons religion is to be respected much like race. Now you wouldn’t act in a manner which demeans a person for the colour of their skin so why berate someone for choosing to believe something even if you disagree.
To finish, grow up.
Comment by Eoin — January 2, 2010 @ 1:53 pm
What great timing: New Year’s in Ireland brings back blasphemy. In Denmark, blasphemy can get you killed:
http://avuncularamerican.typepad.com/blog/2010/01/2010s-bad-beginning-blasphemy-bigots-bullies.html
Excellent work, ye Atheists!
Comment by Gerald Loftus — January 2, 2010 @ 2:04 pm
First off, I disagree with this law. However, it’s exceedingly hypocritical that those who accuse religions of intolerance are themselves guilty of such vitriolic intolerance towards people of faith.
Granted, much harm has been done in the name of religion. However, a lot of good has been done, and continues to be done by millions of people and organizations of faith. Denial of this fact is either ignorance, self-deceit, or downright malice!
Any system, faith-based or not, that attacks others for their beliefs should not be acceptable in the 21st century. Unfortunately, many atheists are starting to morph into the religious zealots rail against.
Comment by gidoc — January 2, 2010 @ 2:06 pm
As an irishman living abroad I have many leprechaun friends back there who are pissed off at all you leprechaun atheists…THOUGHT..If any one religion had the proof for their existance there would only be one religion…religion is for those who need it.
Comment by sam graham — January 2, 2010 @ 2:06 pm
I hope you will manage to get this ridiculous law scrapped ASAP.
Good luck with this site, keep it up!
With kind regards from the Netherlands.
Comment by Sanne de Wilde — January 2, 2010 @ 2:10 pm
My own favourite has always been “Religion is man’s attempt to communicate with the weather” although the Gene Roddenbury quote above made me smile.
Having said that, I do not understand why some people are confusing profanity with blasphemy – the fact that you can spell a four letter word is hardly a reason to celebrate it.
A great many people around the world have found huge comfort in their religious beliefs in times of hardship and yet many of the comments here are only looking at the negative aspects of Man and equating that with the group they belong to. The Irish government seem to be trying to legislate against a hate crime but by excluding a group of people from this legislation it becomes a hate crime in itself.
If anyone is interested, my own belief is that Machiavelli’s view that the ends justified the means is God’s only defence for not stopping evil which, by His job description (Omnipotent Omnipresent Omniscient), He is certainly able to do. Therefore, even if God exists (which none of us know with certainty), He is not worthy of Worship.
Comment by Stephen Armstrong — January 2, 2010 @ 2:11 pm
Jehova!
Comment by Andy — January 2, 2010 @ 2:13 pm
Although the bugger better forgive me for this point of view
Comment by Stephen Armstrong — January 2, 2010 @ 2:15 pm
I gave up all religion for Lent many years ago…and continue to do so.
Comment by Patrick — January 2, 2010 @ 2:19 pm
First off, I disagree with this law. However, it’s exceedingly hypocritical that those who accuse religions of intolerance are themselves guilty of such vitriolic intolerance towards people of faith.
Granted, much harm has been done in the name of religion. However, a lot of good has been done, and continues to be done by millions of people and organizations of faith. Denial of this fact is either ignorance, self-deceit, or downright malice!
Any system, faith-based or not, that attacks others for their beliefs should not be acceptable in the 21st century. Unfortunately, many atheists are starting to morph into the religious zealots they rail against.
Comment by gidoc — January 2, 2010 @ 2:20 pm
I used to be in support of the Irish governing all of Ireland, however, given the level of stupidity displayed by Irish politicians in the passing of this law I’ve changed my mind.
Is it April 1st??
Comment by Teresa Sadler — January 2, 2010 @ 2:23 pm
DEAR MR OWEN…do you believe in fairies?
Comment by sam graham — January 2, 2010 @ 2:24 pm
from one of my favourite movies, Dogma:
“I’m telling you man, this ceremony’s a big mistake.”
“The Catholic church does not make mistakes!”
“Please! What about the church’s silent consent to the slave trade? And its platform of non-involvement during the holocaust?”
“Alright, Mistakes were made.”
Comment by JangoF — January 2, 2010 @ 2:28 pm
Good luck on opposing such an unpleasant, retrograde and ridiculous law. How can I donate toward the campaign?
Comment by Chris, London, UK — January 2, 2010 @ 2:30 pm
I’m adding these points to the collection of illegal blasphemy:
The Catholic church should be held responsible and liable for all the senseless rape perpetrated by their employees whilst having children under their care. Like any organisation – they have (and always have had) a duty of care to implement strategies to protect any children under their supervision. Instead of doing this, they have passed the blame, denied and covered up the raping of children. I see that some, even here, are claiming ‘but there are atheist pedophiles too!’ and I say that it doesn’t even come into the debate. The Catholic Church have not only created power play environments that increase the instances of child rape and sexual assault – they have facilitated horrible, misdirected sexual urges by forcing abstinence upon their employees. All in the name of God. If God existed he would have stopped the torturous torment of these thousands of innocent children in his name. No, he doesn’t exist.
Nor does he exist for the millions of Africans dying and dead from HIV/AIDS. The church instructed millions of people to not use condoms. They spread lethal lies about safe sex when they had a moral community responsibility to save lives. They did they opposite. Their dictatorial doctrine murdered millions. When a religion is so very widely revered that it is the sole source of information and instruction for a large group of people – it should be held responsible to the same extent of governments. They should be invaded and brought to justice – in the name of human safety.
These churches bring intolerance, hate, xenophobia and death to the modern world. Their negative impact far exceeds any ‘charity work’ they do. In fact, the starving people of the 3rd world would be able to eat more if their religious charities weren’t spending so much money hiring missionaries, printing bibles and building chapels.
Hold God’s children responsible for the horrible mess they have made on this earth.
Comment by Peta — January 2, 2010 @ 2:32 pm
saw a big guy walking up grafton street, in the the 90’s,wearing a t-shirt with “Jesus is a cunt” in big letters on back. street theatre at its best.
irish politicians have embarrassed us yet again in the eyes of the world with this nonesense
Comment by anto — January 2, 2010 @ 2:35 pm
I just want to know why religion does not appear as a subcategory of Delusion in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the World Health Organisation’s ICD-10, Chapter V, Section F00-F99, Mental and behavioural disorders, because, clearly, that’s where religion belongs.
Oh, wait, maybe it IS actually covered:
DSM-IV: http://www.psychnet-uk.com/dsm_iv/delusional_disorder.htm
“Delusional Disorder
“This psychotic mental disorder is diagnosed when prominent nonbizarre delusions are present for at least one month and the symptom criteria for Schizophrenia have never been met. Hallucinations may be present, but auditory or visual hallucinations cannot be prominent. Olfactory or tactile hallucinations may be prominent, but only if they are related to the content of the delusion. Psychosocial functioning may not be impaired and any co-occurring mood episodes must be of relatively brief duration.
“Diagnostic criteria for 297.1 Delusional Disorder
“(cautionary statement)
“A. Nonbizarre delusions (i.e., involving situations that occur in real life, such as being followed, poisoned, infected, loved at a distance, or deceived by spouse or lover, or having a disease) of at least 1 month’s duration.
“B. Criterion A for Schizophrenia has never been met. Note: Tactile and olfactory hallucinations may be present in Delusional Disorder if they are related to the delusional theme.
“C. Apart from the impact of the delusion(s) or its ramifications, functioning is not markedly impaired and behavior is not obviously odd or bizarre.
“D. If mood episodes have occurred concurrently with delusions, their total duration has been brief relative to the duration of the delusional periods.
“E. The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition.
“Specify type (the following types are assigned based on the predominant delusional theme):
“Erotomanic Type: delusions that another person, usually of higher status, is in love with the individual
“Grandiose Type: delusions of inflated worth, power, knowledge, identity, or special relationship to a deity or famous person
“Jealous Type: delusions that the individual’s sexual partner is unfaithful
“Persecutory Type: delusions that the person (or someone to whom the person is close) is being malevolently treated in some way
“Somatic Type: delusions that the person has some physical defect or general medical condition
“Mixed Type: delusions characteristic of more than one of the above types but no one theme predominates
“Unspecified Type
“Reprinted with permission from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Copyright 2000 American Psychiatric Association”
ICD-10: apps.who.int/classifications/apps/icd/icd10online/ section F22:
“F22: Persistent delusional disorders
“Includes a variety of disorders in which long-standing delusions constitute the only, or the most conspicuous, clinical characteristic and which cannot be classified as organic, schizophrenic or affective. Delusional disorders that have lasted for less than a few months should be classified, at least temporarily, under F23.-.
“F22.0: Delusional disorder
“A disorder characterized by the development either of a single delusion or of a set of related delusions that are usually persistent and sometimes lifelong. The content of the delusion or delusions is very variable. Clear and persistent auditory hallucinations (voices), schizophrenic symptoms such as delusions of control and marked blunting of affect, and definite evidence of brain disease are all incompatible with this diagnosis. However, the presence of occasional or transitory auditory hallucinations, particularly in elderly patients, does not rule out this diagnosis, provided that they are not typically schizophrenic and form only a small part of the overall clinical picture.”
or maybe section F24:
“F24: Induced delusional disorder
“A delusional disorder shared by two or more people with close emotional links. Only one of the people suffers from a genuine psychotic disorder; the delusions are induced in the other(s) and usually disappear when the people are separated.”
One might argue that DSM and ICD-10 have demonstrated that most of the world’s population exhibit the symptoms of Delusional Disorder.
Comment by Trevor — January 2, 2010 @ 2:36 pm
Irish lawmakers should be commended for their sensible priorities. Frail, defenseless gods need to be protected from offense lest their holy representatives stop invoking them to justify the rape and torture of wicked, fiendish children. How many pedophile priests have been fined 25,000 Euros?
Comment by Rational Being — January 2, 2010 @ 2:36 pm
There is no god, therefore we don’t need this law!
Comment by The John — January 2, 2010 @ 2:39 pm
So what the law proposes is that blasphemy is to be fined. Blasphemy is lack of respect for the sacred, so the Koran and the Bible are blasphemous. The Koran admits the existence of Jesus Christ but portrays him as a prophet but not the son of god, the Bible portrays JC as the son of god. Ban both books and take the respective clerics to court and fine the bastids!
Comment by Efros — January 2, 2010 @ 2:40 pm
“When a religion is good, I conceive it will support itself; and when it does not support itself, and God does not care to support it – so that its professors are obliged to call for help from a civil power – it is a sign, I apprehend, of its being a bad one.” – Benjamin Franklin
Comment by Toby — January 2, 2010 @ 2:44 pm
Wow, all of these “enlightened” comments merely reinforce the validity of such a law. It always makes me laugh when so-called atheists (there is no such thing–you simply believe in your own god) get worked up over traditional religion. If you believe sincerely that God does not exist, why would you ever have any reason to blaspheme? It seems rather sadistic to do so. Where is your famed tolerance for those who are believers? Ireland has spectacularly shed its Christian identity in the last two decades. What threat does religion possibly present to you? I think what is going on here is that a nerve has been hit. The raw hatred expressed in most of these comments is alarming, disgusting and insulting. It does not appear that there is any sort of rational argument going on. Typing in a bunch of quotes from famous people whose knowledge of religion is minimal at best does not prove anything. I suppose it makes you feel better, though, to enlist your saints in this battle. Still, I think most atheists are wannabe believers who do not have the intellectual courage to really challenge their assumptions and prejudices.
Anyway, you all can stop the heavy breathing. I cannot imagine that the pagans at the EU will allow this law to last for long or that would actually be enforced.
Comment by Scott in KC — January 2, 2010 @ 2:58 pm
………………………..
………..,….. _ ……..…..
……………./’_/)….……..
…………..,/_ /)…………
………/’_'/’ ‘/’__’7, ….….
……../’/ / / /” /_\ …….…
……..(‘( ‘ /’ ‘).. …………
…..\………/…. …………
……’\'…….. _.7′..……….
……..\………(……………..
………\………\ ………….
……….\………\………….
…………………………
Down with ALL:
JUDEO-abe-Jew’s!, JUDEO-abe-CHRIST’s!, JUDEO-abeISLAMIC’s!JUDEO-abe-MORMON’s!. JUDEO-vedic-HINDU’s!, JUDEO-vedic-BUDDHIST’s!…..!
frm NYC.
Comment by Jack Jo — January 2, 2010 @ 3:07 pm
Wonderful !
Showing the non-sense of a law is really great !
I hope european politicians will start understanding the message.
Comment by Alex — January 2, 2010 @ 3:11 pm
OK, I’ll try again.
At post No 398 I pointed out that some posters here are childish and should grow up. And still it continues.
I think a lot of you have missed the point: the law (with which I disagree) is not there as far as I understand to defend religion, but to protect the adherents of religions from abuse and insults, which, frankly many of these posts have been.
You say you have to right to criticise religions; fine I agree. I do not accept that you have to right to set out to upset people however misguided they might be; you can of course and quite reasonably in my view, criticise them for their proselytising. Where to draw the line is in effect, the thin edge of the wedge and probably where the problems begin!
Read post No 419 by “Onemorecoffee” for a good example of a post that belongs here. After all surely an atheist can be a gentleman (or lady) too?
Paul
Comment by Paul Leclercq — January 2, 2010 @ 3:13 pm
I don’t understand! Richard Dawkins is a scientist. He has accurately described the actions of God in the Old Testament using entirely valid words from the English language. He has not intentionally sought to belittle God or use abusive language like many of the other quotations. In his various publications and TV broadcasts he has sought objectively to highlight the lack of facts and evidence surounding religious doctrine. How is that blasphemous?
Many of the contributors to this site have used entirely unacceptable language. If we all apply the discipline of objective analysis and the use of appropriate languauge, this problem would not be so bad. I am an atheist, but I would not seek to insult someone who is religious. Rather, I would scrutinize their beliefs and attempt to reveal the lack of substance to them.
Lastly, who moderates this site? No wonder atheists who hold genuine Humanist beliefs struggle to make themselves heard when this sort of nonsense accompanies a valid public campaign!
Comment by Malcolm — January 2, 2010 @ 3:21 pm
“If you believe sincerely that God does not exist, why would you ever have any reason to blaspheme? It seems rather sadistic to do so.”
Fair point. But is it not blasphemous to express the belief that God doesn’t exist?
Great list of quotes.
Comment by James — January 2, 2010 @ 3:24 pm
Dinna fash thy’sel….This too, shall pass.
and here’s my blasphemy,
The Easter Song
Send my pack to the great outback
To the banks of the Kedgiree slough,
I’ll meet you there with a prayer and a dare
-and the promise of something new
I’ll share my grub and my old tin tub
And I’ll show you the sacred tree,
Where Christ climbed up and bared his breast
-then died for you and me
In ev’ry land in ev’ry place
They claim the same you see
To drink the blood of a human god
-will surely set you free
Well I spent some time on the martyr’s cross
Then climbed down sore and tired
But the crowd won’t go until the show
-was all that they desired
Raise me up another one
A spirit bright and free
Some forge nails, others pails
-what would you craft for me?
So make a bed for you and me
And make it out of stone
Lay me on that cold cold slab
-but do not take me home
Roland, Canada.
Comment by Roland Kay — January 2, 2010 @ 3:30 pm
Malcolm @ post No 456: I agree with you.
However there is a vast difference between a religion which says “join us” and one which says “Join us or we kill you!”
If there must be a law, then let it at least address this issue.
Nevertheless, from Le Marquis de Montaigne: “Man is certainly stark mad. He cannot make a worm, yet he will make gods by the dozen.”
Paul
Comment by Paul Leclercq — January 2, 2010 @ 3:30 pm
I’m looking forward to the official response; is it possible that abuse-report from not too long ago is blasphemous too? After all, there was a threat of excommunication for insiders blabbing about it, so with a little twist the authors of this report are in for it as well, which would be fun in this case, as the Irish government is indicted in it as well as the RC. This some can of worms!! Here in Holland we have the same kind of religious nuts as you do, I’m afraid, and in the government as well.
Comment by H. Davids — January 2, 2010 @ 3:31 pm
Fantastic!
This is a ridiculous law and the people who put it into place can not be trusted!
Comment by Ron — January 2, 2010 @ 3:32 pm
Greetings to Irish Atheists from Slovenija.You have my full atheistic support.
Comment by Niko — January 2, 2010 @ 3:37 pm
Cthulhu does not wear ribbons! I find this depiction of The Great Old One to be blasphemous! http://files.myopera.com/Azaroth/albums/116804/1hello-cthulhu.jpg
Comment by Emily — January 2, 2010 @ 3:38 pm
To all of ye with comments along the lines of “it’s childish/obnoxious/whatever to be making offensive comments towards those of religious belief etc” you’re missing the point. I myself made such a comment earlier on this page not because I have any hatred towards the religious, but to break this ridiculous law. If I hadn’t made the comment to be offensive, I would not have broken the law. To those who say I should not have a right to be offensive, I say yes I fucking well should have. You’re more than welcome to try to offend me. I believe in free speech, and yes, that includes your right to it.
Comment by bilbawbaggins — January 2, 2010 @ 3:42 pm
Amazing how erroneously the Jesus sayings are and the interpretation this biased site puts on them….how sad.
Ye are of your father the devil is not Christian anti-semitism at all but Christ telling us plainly that ALL of us by nature are under the devils influence and do his lusts being by natute children of disobedience and wrath so that throws that out of the window!
Please, if you are going to make statements get them right before you make yourself look so foolish and ignorant.
Comment by Mark Harris — January 2, 2010 @ 3:45 pm
Jesus and Hitler are gay for eachother <3
Comment by John — January 2, 2010 @ 3:46 pm
nice work! droppin’ loads all over blasphemy laws
Comment by nick manning — January 2, 2010 @ 3:47 pm
@464.
Quite so: but it is enough (at least for the religious fanatics) to say that God/Jesus/Mohammed/Vishnu/Buddha/Darth Vader/Uncle Tom Cobbleigh and all do not exist or are wrong or were talking rubbish.
To write e.g. “fuck Mohammed” is pathetic and does nothing for the case.
Paul
Comment by Paul Leclercq — January 2, 2010 @ 3:50 pm
At Commenter no. 465
What are the devil’s lusts? Is sexual lust one of them? Or is that too literal an interpretation?
Comment by James — January 2, 2010 @ 3:52 pm
This law is another depressing example of civilisation in regression. Below is a blasphemous song I wrote a few months ago. You could get some of your members to record it and release it (suggested tune: Habanera from Carmen). That might make more impact than intelligent words. I’d genuinely like to know the answers to these questions. Good luck with the campaign.
God Maybe Knows
Before creation was god on vacation
Or did he like living in the dark
Was he lazy or somewhat hazy
Did he struggle to locate the spark
Did he plan it or did he chance it
Or was he pressurised to advance it
Trying to meet some higher targets
Like bringing light to distant stargates
And was he happy with the outcome
Or would he really rather be without some
Problems of the big ignition
Like locust swarms and nuclear fission
Did he like it or did he lump it
And does he ever want to blow his trumpet
Did he then create another
Just a plaything for his younger brother
And has he ever read the bible
After all it says he’s liable
And does he get fed up and bored
Knowing where all that matter’s stored
Does he laugh or sing or play
And does he sometimes hesitate and say
I might be wrong, what’s bad is good
I fear I’ve been misunderstood
And does he ever feel inclined
To use his body and not his mind
To catch the buzz of unknown pleasures
A well-earned break from weighty measures
Does he eat or sleep or drink
And does he ever jolt awake and think
I’ve had enough, I’m getting out
My old beliefs have turned to doubt
And does he study maths and science
To make a change from self-reliance
And did he speed up evolution
So he could dance to jazz/rock fusion
And if he said the world was broken
Well I doubt if he’d be only joking
And if he can’t or will not mend it
Maybe one day he’ll abruptly end it
(c) Alan Dawson 2009
Usable by any atheist for any intelligent purpose
Comment by Alan Dawson — January 2, 2010 @ 3:53 pm
It is a Shame to hear that in the Land that knew religion and Celtic values and humanist beliefs before most religions ever existed has to endure a 25.000 euro fine for speaking its mind. If Atheists scare the status quo that much and it has reached a point were democracy allows such laws to be passed then I say God has proven he does not exist through these actions and this law that shows and proves how weak God and Church are to be in need of Laws to protect it. If God did exist, he/she would never preach Love without acting out his love and equality and that being said I demand the following:
Let there be a Law Passed that would Fine anyone who ever dares Preach God or any Word of God. Since No one can prove his existence it should be made clear that if anyone dares claim to know him/her or his/her word be fined 25.000 euros.
Love , Religion, Humanity it all comes down to actions and the very foundation of it all is Equality.
So IRISH LAWMAKERS give an example to the World, we’re watching and listening and waiting to see, walk the walk.
Speak your mind and let Fear Fear itself …
Beirut – Lebanon .
Comment by Ali Hamze — January 2, 2010 @ 3:53 pm
OK, the law is a joke — I get that.
And [pick a religion] is a joke — I get that.
But if the vitriolic, animal-like behaviour displayed here is typical of the atheist mindset, then
I do not want
I do not want
Your atheism.
Comment by Tom R. — January 2, 2010 @ 3:56 pm
Why do women love Jesus?
Because he’s hung like this (spreads arms)
Comment by Flying Baked Ziti Monster — January 2, 2010 @ 4:04 pm
Did you forget Paul CURSING everybody who would disagree with HIS private gospel he said he received via a private revelation [with no credible witnesses anywhere], Galatians 1:7-8?
Paul was a vociferous enemy of the gospel of Peter; hence an individual saturated with hatred against anybody disagreeing with him.
And yet, the pope and other similar religious ACTORS bless this coward apostle and eve3n make him images to kiss in public!!
Julio.
Johannesburg.
Comment by Julio — January 2, 2010 @ 4:11 pm
Harken unto me all you heathen non-believers!!!!
I have have a recent revelation from my God. I, and my disciples will be outraged (and hurt) if you do not obey it. Part of my religion is that you must chant, “O – ha-ow stoo-ipid tha Ire-arish blas-fem-me law-iz.” seven times a day at the top of your lungs, from a high tower so that our God can hear you. The other law requires that no one commit blasphemy by ever saying, “Mik ay-el, Ma-ritin” or any phrase that resembles that phrase. To avoid blasphemy as taught by our Church, you must substitute the phrase “dumb-shit.”
Signed,
Benito, Supreme high imperial new God lover and toilet-roll replacer of glory.
Comment by Benito — January 2, 2010 @ 4:12 pm
I’m thankful that there are organizations like the Irish Atheists taking a stand against this kind of theocratic nonsense. It will be interesting to see where this goes. Good luck with the campaign!
Comment by Christian Poppycock — January 2, 2010 @ 4:15 pm
I am of the opinion that the blasphemy law was a bad idea.
I think that everyone should be legally entitled to say whatever they like, and others to respond.
If someone really wants to advance an opinion (e.g. “I don’t believe in God” or “I think you should consider removing religion from your life”), I say they should be free to do so without fear of any other than a verbal response.
If people are unable to contribute urbanely to this post, they would probably be better off going for a walk, getting an education or looking away from their own navels from time to time. Barstool-guttersnipe rudeness comes more from anger than from having anything interesting to say, and it’s no more attractive or engaging than government muzzling.
In reality, there isn’t much to say about faith, apart from “It’s absurd” / “I know, but I believe anyway”. Why not avoid hysteria, focus on the issue at hand, and criticise the government rather than believers? Many more of the latter would surely come on board, thus hastening the demise of this new law.
Comment by Michael — January 2, 2010 @ 4:16 pm
I came to this web page due to the posting on CNN. Wow, what a bunch of atheist lunatics I’ve come across here. I read today on CNN that they are considering colonizing the moon using deep volcanic pits. I suggest that they pack the entire ship with you “lunatics” and let you be the first settlers. The earth will be a better place without you. As for the majority of you here who don’t believe in God, prove that He doesn’t exist. If you can’t even come up with a simple answer to the most fundamental question to our existence, and that being “what occurred before the big bang”, you expect us believers to be awed by your pathetic “high intellect”. Go screw yourselves atheists.
Comment by Polaris — January 2, 2010 @ 4:24 pm
95% of Irish people follow a religion. The other 5% donot and I wish them well. This fourm represents the 0.0001% of the population who are crackpots that have an opinion on everything and will go all out to tell everyone. Relax and chill out everyone. If religion is not your thing, then why fight the will of the people. Say nothing and live happy or go live abroad.
Is this law really effecting your day to day life or do you just want to be offended.
God bless you all
Comment by Jane — January 2, 2010 @ 4:27 pm
quote from Steven Armstrong
“Having said that, I do not understand why some people are confusing profanity with blasphemy – the fact that you can spell a four letter word is hardly a reason to celebrate it.”
That you do not understand this [you surely do?] shows that you do not understand the fundamental of humanity. That all people are not born intellectually equal. Some people even believe in fairies LOL.
Still, this has been a most entertaining way of wasting an afternoon. If I were Irish I would be more diappointed then entertained. The clever and thoughtful posts, and I include quite a few containing vulgarity, have far outnumbered the juvenile or the intellectually challenged.
Comment by Welshman — January 2, 2010 @ 4:27 pm
Hello,
I would like to state for the record that I fully support the introduction of this blasphemy law in the Republic of Ireland, as I live in the UK and this will make even the people in Northern Ireland seem reasonable and sane by comparison.
I would also like to see this law extended in several ways:
1. The punishment ordered by the court should be as defined by the religion being blasphemed against. If there is any conflict between religions, then the most severe punishment should be used – as this will probably keep everybody happy. If the punishment involves burning, then the CO² produced must be added to the punishee’s final Carbon Footprint bill, payable by the family, relatives or estate.
2. The courts of man should not be involved in the prosecution of blasphemers. Instead the entire process, from accusation, charges, though trial (if required), sentencing and punishment, should be carried out by the Religious Leaders and Authorities as recognised by their own worshippers.
3. To ensure that the beliefs of every religious group are respected, no person may perform any act in public which is against the beliefs of any religion. Examples include, but not limited to:
* Not working on the Sabbath.
* All women must cover their hair in public. The only exception to this are bald women and women wearing wigs made using man-made fibres.
* Men must not cut their hair or shave their beards.
* The windows of all Hair Dressers must be boarded up in case a man should look inside and see women with their heads uncovered.
* No restaurant or cafeteria must not serve food or drink that is forbidden by religion. This applies to anywhere that food is served, including Burger Vans, Soup Kitchens, Meals-on-Wheels, Hotel room service and Pubs. It would also be illegal to eat those foods in public. This would mean that:
o Only fish (or beaver) can be served on Fridays. Note: any fish twelve inches in length or longer may not be eaten.
o No dishes containing Beef, Pork, Dog, Primate, Rabbit, Hare, Shellfish, Gamefowl/Landfowl, Duck, Snail, Crab, or Camel.
o No drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.
* Use of electricity from a mainline or the public grid is forbidden.
* Public displays of photographs/images containing one or more people are prescribed.
* The playing or performance of Country & Western music is taboo.
* Line Dancing is verboten.
4. The practices of all religions must be observed by everyone in public, regardless of their own beliefs or religion.
5. It is the responsibility of every person to practice their skill with a light sabre, and ensure that it is charged and fully functional at all times.
Comment by Sean — January 2, 2010 @ 4:30 pm
I always respected Sinead O’Connor for that Saturday Night Law Stunt she pulled so many years back, when she tore a photo of the Pope in half on TV. Why is the Pope—a supposedly virgin, 82-year-old man in a dress—still wielding power? How this atrocity of an institution maintained any respect? We should observing the the “Pope Mummy” at this point in time, not this living, breathing, fuckwit of an idiot who instructs Africans that using condoms will only spread AIDS.
Fuck Catholicism, fuck Christianity, fuck all backward-thinking, superstitious, idiots.
Comment by Aaron — January 2, 2010 @ 4:31 pm
Recent news: Man shot in an attempt at retribution for blasphemy. Perhaps this law is intended to keep the populace quietened so that Islamists have no grievance – no cause to, for example, enter a cartoonist’s home with an axe and with murder in his heart?? Wouldn’t the Irish rather proudly protect their right to free discourse with the spirit that the Danes show rather than cower behind this suppressive law in a vain attempt to present a preclusively respectful mask to these delusional zealots?
Comment by Jeffrey — January 2, 2010 @ 4:33 pm
And how about Kinky Freidman and the Texas Jewboys: “They ain’t makin’ Jews like Jesus anymore…. they ain’t makin’ carpenters who know what nails are for!”
Comment by Bob Doyle — January 2, 2010 @ 4:34 pm
Belief is faith in a choice, our own life’s choices are driven by people and experiences which may or may not be shared or believed by others. Ultimately there is NO right or wrong, all there is, is choice. And if a judgement is to be made deciding whether or not we’ve made the wrong choices exists then that divinity with its glorious omnipotence will be tasked to realize the common misinterpretation of experience by beings not so divine in nature.
Comment by Orbital Mind — January 2, 2010 @ 4:36 pm
I have to admit that when I first read about the blasphemy law in Ireland I thought it was some bizarre joke.
That is clearly not the case & the Irish government appear to be intent on making the country a laughing stock.
As an Athiest Englishwoman (who is happy to let anyone worship any fictional character/being of their choice) I fully support Athiest Ireland in their cause. I hope the the Irish government will “see the light” and one again allow true freedom of speech.
I have read (nearly) all the quotes on here. Some excellent thought provocking comments and quotes but (regretfully) far too many junenile ones.
Good Luck.
Comment by Anita — January 2, 2010 @ 4:38 pm
How many atheists here can blaspheme without in so doing, pretending to believe in something they don’t believe in (i.e. speak disrespectfully against religion or the bible (which they believe exists) without just saying “Fuck God!” when they don’t believe there is one)? (and how many know the difference between blasphemy, profanity and heresy?) There’s your homework.
Comment by Mike — January 2, 2010 @ 4:41 pm
Why are you so scarred of religion? it provides people with a guidance to life and happiness. Anyway most o you are doomed to burn in hell for your constant denial and mocking of all faiths and the people that practice. You simple minded fools. Thanks
Comment by martin James — January 2, 2010 @ 4:43 pm
EVERYTHING is offensive to someone, making expression illegal stops discussion. People of faith should be able to talk about their religion not to convert but to understand each other. Having people make fun of your belief is the price of a free society. If you can’t offend ANYONE, then no one can speak out for or against any religion. What if someone has a symbol (like a cross) displayed in their home that I can see? Or I see someone reading a book that offends? Or a leader says something stupid like “God bless (insert country here)”?
Ireland has made religion illegal, good for them.
Comment by ken — January 2, 2010 @ 4:44 pm
Try to find a single mainstream religion that resembles Ron Sexsmith’s blasphemous song God Loves Everyone:
God loves everyone
Like a mother loves her son
No strings at all
Unconditional
Never one to judge
Would never hold a grudge
‘Bout what’s been done
God loves everyone
There are no gates in heaven
Everyone gets in
Queer or straight
Souls of every faith
Hell is in our minds
Hell is in this life
But when it’s gone
God takes everyone
Its love is like a womb
It’s like the air from room to room
It surrounds us all
The living and the dead
May we never lose the thread
That bound us all
The killer in his cell
The atheist as well
The pure of heart
And the wild at heart
Are all worthy of its grace
It’s written in the face
Of everyone
God loves everyone
There’s no need to be saved
No need to be afraid
Cause when it’s done
God takes everyone
God loves everyone
Comment by MtlMatik — January 2, 2010 @ 4:47 pm
The fact remains that in Ireland, atheists, humanists and fans of common moral sense are a minority who have long endured the pervasive religious overtones of our culture. We use god to say hello in our native language and the influence of the catholic church on our constitution and legislature, ensures children are better protected in utero than post-partum.
That in the 21st century, in an era when science and technology are major contributors to our daily lives and our economy , it is downright laughable that rational, firmly held beliefs, and their expression are deemed a civil tort, punishable monetarily.
Yes, some of the material on this page is inflammatory, and graphic and uses unsavoury language- it is a act of defiance, and if it discomfits you in any way, it has succeeded!
No freedom of religion will eclipse my right to freedom of antireligious thought.
No blasphemy law will make me less vociferous in its expression.
Comment by Sinéad — January 2, 2010 @ 4:49 pm
The blasphemy law was only enacted in order to prevent criticism of Islam.
Comment by Leon — January 2, 2010 @ 4:57 pm
@479
Jane wrote:
“If religion is not your thing, then why fight the will of the people. Say nothing and live happy or go live abroad.
Is this law really effecting your day to day life or do you just want to be offended.”
Totally fair, but of course there is the fly in the ointment isn’t there? It might not actually affect everyday life – now – in Ireland, but the principle is dangerous.
Abroad? Where? The French and the Swiss seem to have a fairly robust attitude to religious zealots whose aim for example is to take over the world. The British sadly have effectively thrown in the towel: “Don’t put up a Christmas Tree in your shop window – you might ‘offend’ someone.” The Scandinavians have their own troubles in trying to protect free speech and opinion.
Well then, how about Saudi Arabia Jane? No drinking and for you, no driving either, nor must you speak to any man who is not your husband etc. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Iran are presumably off the menu, Turkey teeters on the brink whilst desperately trying to preserve the wise legacy of Mustapha Kemal. There are many countries in the world and the vast majority are experiencing problems! Let us hope that the Republic of Ireland repeals this silly law before those who take blasphemy seriously see it as a suitable stamping ground.
Paul
Comment by Paul Leclercq — January 2, 2010 @ 5:03 pm
It’s a strange world where critising someone’s political philosophy is called “freedom of expression”, whilst critising someone’s religious philosophy is called “blasphemy”. Good luck from Bedfordshire Humanists. We are with you 100%…
Comment by David Brittain — January 2, 2010 @ 5:05 pm
Fuck the god or the gods or whatever.
Fuck Jesus.
Fuck his mother.
Fuck Christianity.
Fuck Catholicism.
Fuck Protestantism.
Fuck Islam and Mohammed.
Fuck Judaism and Jehovah and Yahweh and all aliases.
Fuck Hinduism and Ganesh and Hanuman and Kali and Vishnu and the rest of that crew.
Fuck Shintoism.
Fuck Taoism.
Fuck Confucianism.
Fuck Zoroastrianism.
Fuck Agnosticism.
Fuck Atheism (say I, an Irish atheist).
Fuck me, please.
We can and will insult anything and anyone and no absurd law can stop it being done.
Happy new year and good luck with the campaign.
Comment by Martin — January 2, 2010 @ 5:09 pm
For those who are concerned about the language being used in these comments, I thought I’d share my take on it.
There are generally four levels of blasphemy.
The first is the puerile: “Fsck God and the brain who came up with him.” It fits the basic definition of blasphemy and while those who actually think are more offended by the language, simple people can and will be deeply offended by this simple statement.
The second is the deconstruction: “The Christian God cannot exist because it is internally inconsistent. Omnipresence and omnipotence contradict each other at various points.” This also fits the basic definition of blasphemy as it directly attacks the belief. Fewer people are deeply offended by the deconstructions, but it does lead to extremely bad theology to try to weasel around the blocks as provided.
The third is artistic. You see many examples in the comments above from the likes of Tim Minchin, George Carlin, Tom Lehrer, and more. The Danish cartoons are prime examples of works of art being deeply offensive to a religion, so much that there are fatwas outstanding and even an attempted attack within the last twenty-four hours.
The last is reality. Reality itself is blasphemous to many religions and leads to all sorts of hand-waving and rigmarole. Evolution has mountains of empirical evidence showing that it really happens, but because the conclusions one must inevitably draw from it, many people of faith attack it as a religion in itself because those conclusions are blasphemous against their religion. Condom use is deeply blasphemous to the RCC because it allows sex without reproduction, and so they attack its use in Africa where they are trying to use condoms to restrict the spread of an AIDS epidemic. A direct translation of God’s name (depending on who you talk to, Elohim, Jehovah, Yahweh, etc.) from Hebrew is offensive to many Orthodox Jews who use “Adonai” as a fill-in. Referring to Mohammad’s marriage to a 9-year-old as pedophilia is deeply offensive to Muslims. The theory of gravity deeply offends die-hard Pastafarians.
I can understand being offended by a puerile comment. I can even understand being offended by a deconstruction. But when reality offends, there is no hope for your point of view.
Sincerely,
Michael Russell
Dallas, Texas
Comment by Michael Russell — January 2, 2010 @ 5:15 pm
Stone the sinner and free his mind
The prophets are all around they seek to save mankind
They call it the Good Book, well it’s a shame
How can so much evil could be done in a good book’s name
Comment by Paul - South Africa — January 2, 2010 @ 5:15 pm
Is it possible to use the blasphemy laws to your own advantage? Say if a priest is heard bad-mouthing atheism, can you take him to court?
Comment by Denbo — January 2, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
Thank you, Ireland, for giving the world something to laugh about. Did someone actually sit down and think they were accomplishing something with this law?
Jesus Palomino on a popsicle stick!
Comment by Polo — January 2, 2010 @ 5:19 pm
God is an assumption based on premise. Looking about and not understanding what they see (a condition we all start from and, hopefully, a
condition we disabuse ourselves of with logic and reason), too many people assume there ‘MUST’ be a god because how else did everything get
here? Good question. Definitely the wrong conclusion drawn.
If there is a god, it is so far beyond our ability to understand that no one … not me, not you, not the pope in Rome … can ever make a claim that
they ‘know the mind of god’. If there is a god, everything we know about it is described by a logical, rational science. Prayerful, wishful, hopeful
thinking won’t do it.
How do people come to the conclusion that they have an invisible friend in the sky that will suspend the known laws of the Universe to intercede
on their behalf to do whatever they pray for? They place their ‘faith’ in silly children’s stories because it’s easier and modern civilization has few
consequences for people who believe such nonsense. Put that thoroughly lunatic relationship with reality into our ancestors and we would never
have survived as a species.
It is no coincidence that religion took root in its present fearful form as we went from a hunter-gatherer society to an agricultural one. Indeed,
many scholars ascribe the metaphorical ‘Adam & Eve’ origins story to this transformation. In brief: Once you’ve eaten from the tree of knowledge
(learn how to farm) you can’t go back to the Garden of Eden (return to the hunter-gatherer ways).
Once we were capable of producing more food than we could eat we were relieved of our constant need to seek food and had the spare time to
contemplate our circumstances and understand them in an abstract way. That ’spare time’, however, would be co-opted by the social
manipulators (kings and priests) and the rise of civilization would be made by the ’subjects’ of these psychopaths as they build the great cities
and monuments of ancient times.
In spite of the reasons given for doing this (‘to the greater glory of god’) logic and reason had to be used to understand the engineering
necessary. Reason and religion uneasily coexisted because, in spite of the threat presented by logical and rational subjects, the exquisite
constructs of those times resulted in more power for the kings and priests. Then Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses on the church door ushering in
the Protestant Reformation and its rationalism. It’s been downhill for the kristers ever since.
Religion succeeds because it appeals to the dimwitted, the intellectually lazy and their manipulators, the clergy. The clergy know the real story
and understand that there isn’t a nickel to be made by preaching logic and reason. Logic and reason quench the fires of fear and fear, sad to say,
is big, big money.
I believe humans, as a part of their survival strategy, have a natural faith. We can’t know everything so we have to assume a lot; take it ‘on faith’.
This isn’t bad but, to be successful, it requires that there be a basis in fact for the faith. It required of our ancestors that when a decision was
made based on insufficient available information (virtually every decision) the ‘faith’ in that decision was rooted in previous experience and logical
‘hunches’. It was ever critical in their hunt for game.
As an example, if our ancestors, in pursuit of prey, were forced to make a decision to cross one of several hills in the pursuit of food and, as a
result of their decision they cross a hill where there’s no game in the valley, by the time they get to the alternate hill the game likely has moved on
and they face the reality of starvation. Early man required a finely honed sense of ‘faith’ in his decisions that were based on the real world. He
may not have known with certainty that the game was over a particular hill, but faith in his intuition, supported by the fact that he was right on
earlier occasions, was critical to their success as a species. And did I mention this faith and hunches had to be ’spot on’ almost all the time
because even a minor error could destroy an entire tribe.
Natural faith (not to be confused with religious faith) is still a crucial part of our lives. An example of modern, natural faith would be if you loan me
dollar and I don’t pay it back you most likely won’t starve or be seriously impacted by the loss. But you have lost ‘faith’ in me … I can no longer be
trusted. Faith and the resultant trust is a critical aspect of our modern civilization. Nothing would work today without this ‘faith’ resulting in trust.
Put this faith and trust into the psychopaths of religion and political power and all manner of heinous activities result.
Religion is about unfettered power based on imposed ignorance, pure and simple. It is much easier to control a simple-minded crowd than an
intellectual one. Thus, the simple-minded are encouraged to conflate the things they don’t understand (virtually everything) with a mystical
stupidity that defies reason. And as stated above, there are precious few consequences for being silly in todays world, hence, the persistence of
this pestilence. This persistence manifests itself in the blasphemy and heresy laws.
Be patient. The blithering nonsense that is religion has become so weak in the face of modern civilization that it requires no one to question it in
order for it to survive. This demand for ‘faith’ will be its undoing. We may not live long enough to see it but the inexorable trend of civilization is
towards logic and reason and, upon that day when ‘the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest’, we will be rid of the greatest pox
upon humanity.
Comment by Frank Gillespie — January 2, 2010 @ 5:20 pm
if you want to stop me writing what i want, you’ll have to take my hands. if you want to stop me saying what i want, you’ll have to take my tounge. if you want to stop me thinking what i want, you’ll have to take my brain.
and then you’re just a psychopath, aren’t you?
to be offended by something someone else does just implies a great weakness within the self. if people were truely secure in their faith, the words of others would mean nothing. sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. remember chanting that as a child?
stupid ireland.
Comment by Amurana — January 2, 2010 @ 5:21 pm
It seems to me that the whole debate has got out of hand. Noone is provably right or wrong – I can’t point at an empty room and declare that there is therefore no such thing as furniture, any more than a DFS salesman can tell me that sofas are the only way, the room is just waiting for a sofa to save it, and anyone who uses a table is going to burn.
Ideas can be debated and have no impact on reality until acted upon. Why have this law? No reason in my view when there are already slander laws, laws against GBH. The foundation of law is that there is an agressor and an aggrieved party. The Church of Ireland (any any other) must first prove beyond reasonable doubt that there is an aggrieved, in that God does exist. So far, noone has done this any more elegantly than the ‘I wouldn’t believe it if it wasn’t true would I? Why is it true? Because I believe it stupid!’. With proof, I would happily admit I was wrong and support this law. Without it, coupled with the EDHR, common sense must prevail. The rights of an identifiable human being must prevail over the rights of an unidentifiable entity/idea.
This law is nonsense, and cannot stand up to scrutiny. I am a humanist, and am qualified to perform humanost marriage ceremonies, funerals and birth celebrations. The humanist standpoint is NOT the same as atheism. Atheism declares ‘there is no God of any kind. It’s my deeply held belief that this is so, and people who do not share this belief should be told of the error of their ways’. Hmmm, Christians call this ministry…..
If there is a God, show me evidence and I will accept it. Until then, from the evidence I can see religion was created by clever politicians seeking a perfect way to control the masses through a big, scary figurehead. Faith is different – in my view, it is human nature to hold on to something to face their own mortality and insignificance in an infinite Universe. Faith is fine, trying to impose your faith (including atheistic ones) on others by intruding into personal convictions, causing needless offense simply for the joy of causing offense, and through ridiculous threats (legislation) is not.
In regards to Richard Dawkins, do not people see his unwanted and grudging promotion to the post of ‘Messiah for the Atheists’ as slightly ironic. I certainly believe he does, although I do think some of his arguments are crafted to offend irrationalists, rather than defend rationalism and free-thought.
I would be pleased to discuss this with anyone, but please keep the argument out of the gutter, and some posters might benefit from taking an objective view of themselves, however upsetting this may be.
Humanism, rationalism and free thought are all about the view that humanity has transcended the need for scary monsters over the bed. Not about denying the human rights or dignity of anyone.
Sorry for the length of this post – in conclusion – stupid law, stupid argument
Comment by Chris N — January 2, 2010 @ 5:21 pm
Why is it so many people of faith feel required to inflict their beliefs on others? I actually am a person of faith, but have enough sense to know that it is entirely unnecessary to put laws into effect to punish those who would do something immoral that causes no harm to others. Sure, murder should be illegal. But blasphemy? Ridiculous. If God is real, he will punish them for it. If not, no crime has been committed. So no earthly law is necessary.
What this law really boils down to is certain people find certain statements offensive, and therefore want them to be illegal. When it is put like that, the stupidity of it becomes more clear. I am offended by racists and sexists, but there aren’t laws (in the States, at any rate) banning anyone from being an asshole. A wiser man once said (I’m paraphrasing a bit), “I may not like what you say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.”
Matters of man (and woman!) and earth should be settled among them, and matters of faith, God, etc. are between the person and God. I’m not perfect, and have said more than a few things I shouldn’t have perhaps, but I certainly don’t support outlawing thought and free speech. Ask those who live in the middle east how life goes with that sort of moral authority running amok.
Comment by US common sense — January 2, 2010 @ 5:25 pm