by Mac a'Bhaird

Created on: February 23, 2010   Last Updated: February 25, 2010

The question here is subjective, because the answer is, art that mocks faith can be both free speech and slander.

Could the real question here allude to suggestion that we should suppress slander against religion?  This calls for a Lincoln quote. Once our great president was questioned why he was not addressing the criticism that was being lodged against him daily. He simply retorted that to occupy himself to that task he wouldn’t have time for any other.

Where would we really begin? I think we have enough going through our court systems as it is; and certainly our law enforcement is bending under the present burden. Why put more upon them?

Or perhaps religious entities would like to pay the bill or shoulder the task? Yes! We can go back to the days of the Inquision. They can staff command centers that can monitor the internet and newspapers for the next derogatory caricature. Jesus with the thumb up and wink; hey, actually I am not sure I like him depicted with long hair.

To some people, that might be slander! Where in the Bible does it say that Jesus had long hair, especially when 1 Corinthians the 11th chapter says it is a shame for a man to wear long hair? Lets’ get to arresting some slanderous artists!

Then let’s go after the artist in Denmark that depicted Mohammad with the ‘bomb turban’, wow, this new ‘Inquisition’ will have its work cut out for them.

Let’s come down to reality. It isn’t possible to get started suppressing slander against religion. Neither do we want religious zealots taking upon themselves the task of eradicating such slander by assassination squads. That is anarchy.

I admit that it is not good manners to slander religion, but the fact is, we live in a world filled with people with bad manners. Have you heard rap or hip-hop lyrics lately? That is pure slander against common decency, yet it is called art.

Here then is the next subject; none of us have any control on what is considered ‘creative expression’, or art. Someone can fingerprint with their own excretion and call it art if they are so moved to do so. Calling it art doesn’t make it so. At any rate, let freedom ring.

It is no doubt probable that the creeds of some faiths or religions do not teach adequate humility, forgiveness and forbearance, so when slandered, adherents of those faiths may take undo issue with the slanderers. If and when that is the case, I hope they can grasp a higher human dignity than to allow their offense to suppress freedom of speech.

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