Originally posted by Stanley
View Post
Is it desirable that an element of Islam undergoes a period similar to Europe's Enlightenment which subsequently led to us being able to make fun out of Jesus and Christianity? Definitely and I would even argue that it is essential/
However, there are still hundreds of millions of Christians around the World who take deep offence to any, what they perceive to be, mocking of their faith and many millions who wouldn't be happy with just a placard protest either as their response. However, apart from the Bible Belt in the US, most of those who would happily resort to violence to defend Christianity's honour are in developing nations with poor educational standards. In Western Europe it is incredibly unlikely.
The problem we face with Islam is that those emigrating to the UK from countries such as Sudan, for example, are coming from environments where such hot-headed feelings thrive. The Muslims who have been here for decades are normally, just like Christians, quite relaxed about religion. The other problem is the old adage about no greater zealot than the convert. Although we are not on the cusp of imposed Sharia Law as claimed by Britain First and movements of such ilk - why don't these patriots understand how the electoral system in the country they love works? - we do have an increasing amount of converts to Islam.
There is, however, a big difference between asking Muslims to adopt our position on religious humour and questioning all aspects of faith, and acting in a manner widely agreed to cause great upset. Should South Park, for example, be able to add a Mohammed character to their show? Absolutely. Should people be allowed to show him, or any religious figure regardless of the faith which worships/revers them, in a super-imposed pornographic picture for a 'joke'? In my opinion, no.
Leave a comment: