Zoomtard

As of January the 1st, it is a crime in Ireland to offend religious groups. This quite ridiculous law was mooted back in the summer and we all laughed it off. It turns out that parliamentary majorities can pass laws that even concerned bloggers are not in favour of.

When will people learn: democracy doesn’t work.

The blasphemy law is blasphemous to the prevailing civic philosophy of today in the Republic of Ireland: secular pluralism. As such, on a political level it is a profoundly foolish law.

It is also likely to unenforcable. Theologically it is incoherent since the state cannot defend God, nor needs to try.

The “blasphemous” Gilbert & George work ‘Sonofagod’

But more than that, it is unjust. To cite a friend of mine, the government should not be incentivizing religious outrage.

Colmmacc, as usual, has a fascinating take on affairs, including a sensible and mature suspicion of the grand-standing of Atheists Ireland. But may I propose that the actual way to get this law overturned won’t involve rude sayings posted on the internet but an alliance the atheists are unlikely to consider… for dogmatic reasons.

See, most Christians are opposed to this law. The Evangelical Alliance is against the law. Huge numbers of Roman Catholics are against the law. But if you were a humanist intent on describing Irish faith as blind, corrupt and untenable for the sake of your pluralistic political campaign, then it will be hard to get into bed with pluralistic Christians who want to responsibly engage in the shaping of a 21st Century Ireland that is more just for everyone. Giving such bedfellows airtime might make you tone back the childish suggestions of desecrating communion hosts or making effigies of the Pope and actually start the difficult and humbling task of dialogue.

Your Correspondent, Suspects most real blasphemy happens inside churches