Religion and Blasphemy Ideology
Chapter 9 Question 2
Trace the origin of the law of blasphemy and explain the relevance or otherwise of this law
Introduction
Blasphemy is the act of insulting or showing open disrespect of God through display of inappropriate behavior towards holy personages, religious artifacts, customs and beliefs. The word "blasphemy" came via Middle English blasfemen, from which the English term "blame" came into existence (Wikipedia.com n.d). Blasphemy is regarded as an offense against the community to varying degrees, depending on the extent of the identification of a religion with the society at large or the government. Blasphemy has been a crime in many religions and cultures, wherever there is something sacred to protect.
The history of the law of blasphemy in Christian society was one of severity and it became a primary focus of censorship regimes with the warning punishment for blasphemers and measures for the identification, destruction or deterrence of heterodox works. In modern times with the beginning of freedom of speech and religion, blasphemy laws in western nations were no longer so heavily enforced. Indeed, some countries still have laws to punish blasphemy, while others have laws to give recourse to those who are offended by blasphemy. Countries with a state religion are the most common users of blasphemy laws in a modern context.
The origins of Blasphemy law
The first connection we can make between blasphemy and any kind of moral code or law is derived from one of the 10 commandments, which according to the Hebrew Bible, were authored by God and given to Moses in the form of two stone tablets in 1440BC. In accordance with majority Christian denominations, the 3rd Commandment “You shall not make wrongful use of the name of your God” is the first written account for the origin of the law of blasphemy, a law which was punishable by death.
In a more institutionalized sense, the offence of blasphemy came under canon law; the body of
Trace the origin of the law of blasphemy and explain the relevance or otherwise of this law
Introduction
Blasphemy is the act of insulting or showing open disrespect of God through display of inappropriate behavior towards holy personages, religious artifacts, customs and beliefs. The word "blasphemy" came via Middle English blasfemen, from which the English term "blame" came into existence (Wikipedia.com n.d). Blasphemy is regarded as an offense against the community to varying degrees, depending on the extent of the identification of a religion with the society at large or the government. Blasphemy has been a crime in many religions and cultures, wherever there is something sacred to protect.
The history of the law of blasphemy in Christian society was one of severity and it became a primary focus of censorship regimes with the warning punishment for blasphemers and measures for the identification, destruction or deterrence of heterodox works. In modern times with the beginning of freedom of speech and religion, blasphemy laws in western nations were no longer so heavily enforced. Indeed, some countries still have laws to punish blasphemy, while others have laws to give recourse to those who are offended by blasphemy. Countries with a state religion are the most common users of blasphemy laws in a modern context.
The origins of Blasphemy law
The first connection we can make between blasphemy and any kind of moral code or law is derived from one of the 10 commandments, which according to the Hebrew Bible, were authored by God and given to Moses in the form of two stone tablets in 1440BC. In accordance with majority Christian denominations, the 3rd Commandment “You shall not make wrongful use of the name of your God” is the first written account for the origin of the law of blasphemy, a law which was punishable by death.
In a more institutionalized sense, the offence of blasphemy came under canon law; the body of
References: • Arnold, B. (2008). Caslon Analytics Blasphemy: Australian blasphemy cases. Retrieved May 6, 2010, from http://www.caslon.com.au/blasphemyprofile6.htm • Blasphemy • Knight, K. (2009). Catholic Encyclopedia: Canon Law. Retrieved May 5, 2010, from http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09056a.htm • Q & A: Blasphemy law • Truth in History (n.d.). Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. Retrieved May 5, 2010, from http://www.truthinhistory.org/blasphemy-against-the-holy-ghost.html • St John, EC (2006) 'The sacred and sacrilege—ethics not metaphysics ' • Freedom of speech versus Blasphemy. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved May 6, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_speech_versus_blasphemy • Muslims warned to avoid blasphemous yoga • The South Australian Schools Constitutional Convention Committee. (2001). Published: South Australian State Electoral Office Australia’s Constitution. • Law Reform Commission New South Wales. (1992). Publications. Retrieved May 5, 2010, from http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/lrc/ll_lrc.nsf/pages/LRC_publications • European Convention on Human Rights