On Criticizing (Or Mocking) Religion

 

That is a snippet from the latest episode of South Park. As you can tell, the episode is mocking several religions - in fact, South Park in general pretty much makes fun of everyone.

 

Alas, it is one target in particular that has led to trouble: 

The radical Islamic Web site Revolutionmuslim.com is going after the creators of the TV cartoon series "South Park" after an episode last week included an image of the Prophet Mohammed in disguise.

(...)
On Sunday, Revolutionmuslim.com posted an entry that included a warning to South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone that they risk violent retribution – after the 200th episode last week included a satirical discussion about whether an image of the prophet could be shown. In the end, he is portrayed disguised in a bear suit.

The posting on Revolutionmuslim.com says: “We have to warn Matt and Trey that what they are doing is stupid and they will probably wind up like Theo Van Gogh for airing this show. This is not a threat, but a warning of the reality of what will likely happen to them.”

(Via Daily Dish - more here) One might argue that the South Park boys are being too provocative, but these threats just prove their point. It doesn't matter if its provocative, gratuitous, or disrespectful - there's no reason why they should be prohibited from addressing this in the manner they so choose.

 

By contrast, take the latest work from author Philip Pullman: 

What if Jesus had a twin brother named Christ who played the role of central chronicler of the Gospels, tempter and betrayer to the Messiah and a corrupted founder of the Christian church? That's the hypothesis of Philip Pullman's provocative and intriguing new book, "The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ."

For fans of the English author, of which there are millions, the controversial premise of the book comes as no surprise.

Along with biologist Richard Dawkins and author Christopher Hitchens, Pullman is considered one of the most ferocious critics of organized religion in modern times. The author's beloved best-selling His Dark Materials trilogy featured a thinly-veiled Catholic Church as its main villain and a senile and impotent God.

Read the entire profile - notably absent are any details about any threats directed at Mr. Pullman or any imminent threat to his life.

 

That's not to say Christians will like his book - I'm quite sure that he'll receive some ugly and nasty hate mail, and not doubt some Christian fundamentalists somewhere will try and ban his book.

 

But like Trey Parker and Matt Stone, Mr. Pullman is under no obligation to "respect" Christianity or avoid being too provocative.

 

If you don't like those who mock or criticize your religion - or religion in general - don't watch their show and don't buy their books.