Gregory Scheckler Artworks

September 30th, 2009 is International Blasphemy Day.

In its honor, the Center for Inquiry is sponsoring a blasphemy contest. Here’s the gist of their game:

To enter, all you have to do is create a phrase, poem, or statement that would be or would have been considered blasphemous.  Entries may take any form (haiku anyone?), but must be 20 words or less.  The top 5 winners will receive CFI t-shirts with their submission printed on the shirt.  In addition to the shirt, the first place winner will also receive a mug imprinted with the winning phrase, recognition in Free Inquiry magazine, general publicity, and, naturally, eternal damnation. Email entries to blasphemycontest@centerforinquiry.net

Well, so I couldn’t resist joining the fun. Here’s my five entries:

1. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no Flying Spaghetti Monster.
2. The Lord is not my shepherd: I’m no sheep, dammit.
3. Why is it that prayer never cures the common cold?
4. Secret thought of the dying Jesus: “If I hadn’t been a preacher I’d’ve been a pretty good pimp.”
5. Would an Intelligent Designer really have given man a penis?

Ahhh-hah-hah! that was fun!

Sometimes people think that atheists and non-believers should play nice. Being respectful of people is of course important, but as any atheist knows, the religious refuse to play nice even while claiming the nonreligious must do better. They shove their beliefs in your face whenever they get the chance, emblemizing their religion on money, pushing prayer and moments of silence on schools, and of course constantly telling nonbelievers that they’re going to hell. The worst zealots become suicide bombers. The less worse go from door to door proselytizing even after being asked to go away. There is a sort of division right now at the Center for Inquiry, between its newer leader (more prone to things like International Blasphemy Day) and its older leader (regarded as somewhat of a gentleman). I don’t know how that’ll pan out. But it should be said that anti-blasphemy laws and regulations are distinctly in conflict with rights for free speech. Which is more important, free inquiry, free speech and free thought, or punishments and damnations for uttering offense? Is there a difference between blasphemy and hate speech? How do you know?