Russia - Denying God Exists = Trouble

[agchristie]

Did you know this offence was criminalized in Russia a few years ago?

Can you imagine a crime in the UK for 'offending someones beliefs'?

Believers - how offended do you feel when you are criticised for your beliefs?

Non-believers - can you imagine having a month of psychological tests?

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russian-faces-year-prison-denying-existence-god-n530111

[sandyRoe]

Didn't Mary Whitehouse have a part in bringing a prosecution for 'Libelous Blasphemy' against the editor of gay news?

[jourdain2]

Tricky question. I do feel offended (often very offended) when my beliefs are criticised. They are mainstream and when I grew up almost everyone in the UK adhered to them in some degree. Others have a right to disbelieve and criticize of course and I defend their right to do so.

There does seem to have been a slew in favour of never offending Islam, whilst Christianity is seen as fair game. Russia is Russia, but, yes, I can imagine such a crime in the UK. This may provoke a response from various quarters.

[sandyRoe]

Those who offend Christians could be fairly sure that no rabid High-Church Anglican would be going to take the law into their own hands and mete out revenge for the insult.

[Old_Geezer]

Doesn't time change things. I can recall when they were repressing religion, and now this ? Within my lifetime too.

[modeller]

For most of the 20th century Russia was officially an Atheistic country.
When I was there early 80s soldiers were stationed outside churches in Russia and its satellites and most people turned away.
Things started to change under Gorbachev once they realised
that religion was a source of power and now Putin is often seen with clerics.
Throughout history most countries have used religion to boost their power.

[birdie1971]

jourdain2 - "... Tricky question. I do feel offended (often very offended) when my beliefs are criticised..."

I don't understand. What is it that makes you feel 'offended'? Why does someone's questioning your beliefs make you feel like you have a legitimate reason to feel 'offended'?

[Mamyalynne]

I have been criticised , on one occasion here I was compared to a child abuser for sending my children to faith schools.

I wasn't offended, whilst not liking the comment I accept that people have different views on life.

In general Religion is not a dinner table topic in my life, I know it is constant here.

[wildwood]

mamya.../In general Religion is not a dinner table topic in my life, I know it is constant here./

Could this be because this category is called Religion & Spirituality?

[birdie1971]

I utterly despise this notion of, "That offends me". As if the 'offended' person is entitled to live in a make-believe world where no one says anything that causes them to be challenged in any way. The phrase, "That offends me" is such a cowardly phrase and an affront to freedom of speech. It speaks volumes about the person using it - mostly that they think their opinions are sacrosanct and that alternative opinions are anathema. When I hear that phase being spoken or when I see it in print, I think the person making is an immature child. In the words of Stephen Fry, "... you're offended? So ****ing what?".

[mibn2cweus]

To be truly offended is to know deep down why you've earned it.

[goodlife]

Most of earth’s population profess belief in God. Do you? If so, you may consider the question (“Do you really believe that God exists?”) as directed to others. Perhaps you call to mind Psalm 14:1: “The senseless one has said in his heart: ‘There is no Jehovah,’” and apply it to atheists and agnostics.

[sandyRoe]

Happy are the who easily believe. My dark nights of the soul, filled with doubts and fears of losing my faith altogether, have gone on far too long.

[sandyRoe]

*those who easily^^^

[douglas9401]

It'll only really be a problem if you happen to pick on the wrong flavour of deity.
Those less state friendly like Big A and his many prophets will attract little attention from Laura.

[naomi24]

Goodlife, // “The senseless one has said in his heart: ‘There is no Jehovah,’” and apply it to atheists and agnostics.//

You’ve quoted that verse many times, twice in the past couple of days, but if you want people to take you seriously, you need to explain why it’s senseless to say there is no God. Saying there is a God because the bible says there is a God, which is what you say, doesn’t wash. It’s just senseless circular reasoning which equates to no 'reasoning'[ at all.

Birdie. //I utterly despise this notion of, "That offends me".//

Me too. I'm with the quote you give from Stephen Fry on this one.

// "... you're offended? So ****ing what?". //

[sandyRoe]

I would have thought Fry to be more emollient. I live and learn.

[idiosyncrasy]

While Britain is supposedly a Christian country, it would appear on the face of it that islam is the main religion. Anything Christian is to be removed or denied in case it offends the muslim. I feel that anyone choosing to made England his home should blend in, I had to when I had to when I lived in Hungary.