Is it funny or is it blasphemous?

[BWSmith]

Check out this article from the Onion:

Christ Converts to Islam

Is it funny or is it blasphemous?

My view: While it makes some humorous points about how some people worship "Christianity" instead of Jesus, the treatment of Jesus is a little unsettling in this article. I wouldn't have written it. I'm more comfortable directly lampooning people than Jesus Himself.

Comments?

 

[Mike McK]

I don't think it's blasphemous, but I can certainly see why you would think it's disrespectful.

Good satire is, by it's very nature, offensive.

Mike

 

[Rev. Joshua]

In perhaps the oddest development, the Jews For Jesus organization announced Monday that it has split into three separate groups: Jews Still For Jesus, Jews For Allah, and Jews For Just Being Jews Again.

OK, that's just plain funny any way you slice it.

I think it's an excellent commentary on the issue of institutional religion.

"If Christ is going to leave the fold and become a sinner, we'll just have to go on worshipping Him against His will."

This is exactly what Christianity is to some. It's important, even without Christ.

Personally, I see no real sacrilege here because nothing is intended seriously. There are, however, some serious insights into religious mindsets within the article.

Joshua

 

[David Cooke Jr]

I'm still laughing. This obviously was not written as blashemy, but as insightful satire. Gotta love the sunday school teacher who's going to follow the bible instead of Jesus-like that's never happened before.

 

[BWSmith]

Excellent points, Joshua.

I agree that the real humor in the article is not the idea of Jesus converting to Islam, but the reactions of different groups to that decision.

 

[SBG]

I think it's a shame that Christians would read such worldly garbage.

 

[Optional]

Originally posted by SBG:
I think it's a shame that Christians would read such worldly garbage.

Yea - Christians have their sense of humor removed when saved. You guys get with the program and start taking everything seriously. Better mount a campaign.

Joshua - excellent points.

 

[stubbornkelly]

*sigh* I love The Onion.

 

[SBG]

Exactly! The old sense of humor is replaced with a new one. I know a lot of the feel good Baptist like wearing their WWJD bracelets....do they think that Jesus would read "The Onion"? Of course he wouldn't.

 

[Johnv]

Yes, and yes. I can see why it might be considered blasphemous to some, but it was amusing nonetheless.

 

[SBG]

Yes, and yes. I can see why it might be considered blasphemous to some, but it was amusing nonetheless.

Yes to the new nature of a Christian...or yes, Jesus would read "the onion"?

 

[BWSmith]

I suppose Jesus never would have hung out with tax collectors either?

Condoning something is one thing. Simply reading it is another.

 

[Chet]

Is it funny or is it blasphemous?

 

[SBG]

Negative! BWSMITH. I suppose you think Jesus was partaking of the sins of the Publicans and sinners? No. He was performing his earthly ministry. You can rationalize the scriptures all day, to try defend your fence straddling. The fact is, that publication is trash, and you shouldn't be reading it. Problem is, too many professing christians, want to hang on to their pet sins, and stay as close to the world as they can. Read 2 Cor. 6:17

 

[Brother Adam]

I don't think it is sinful to read it just as I don't think reading evolution material is sinful (which I think is a joke too), but I believe both are a waste of time.

Bro. Adam

 

[BWSmith]

I think Jesus would have read the Onion, but I don't think He would have condoned it. Do you disagree?

 

[Brother Adam]

I don't think we can even begin to contimplate what Jesus would do if He was physically among us today. Although I believe his nature dictates that he would have not been reading this magazine. The only thing I know of him reading are the scriptures.

Bro. Adam

[ August 23, 2002, 03:49 PM: Message edited by: Brother Adam ]

 

[SBG]

Look. I never said it was sinful to read it...I just don't think it is pleasing to God. I've read it. Saw it's link on a search engine, and went in and took a look around. Is it vulgar? Yes it is! Does it parody Christ and Christians? Yes it does! Does it edify the saints? Well no, no it doesn't. Let's please God!

 

[Scott J]

Originally posted by BWSmith:
I suppose Jesus never would have hung out with tax collectors either?

Condoning something is one thing. Simply reading it is another.

...and enjoying it is yet another very telling thing.

 

[Scott J]

blasphemy

\Blas"phe*my\, n. [L. blasphemia, Gr. ?: cf. OF. blasphemie.] 1. An indignity offered to God in words, writing, or signs; impiously irreverent words or signs addressed to, or used in reference to, God; speaking evil of God; also, the act of claiming the attributes or prerogatives of deity.

Blasphemy? You decide.

Funny? No. Definitely not.

Sickening? Yes.

BTW, those of us who take the person of Jesus Christ seriously, do have a sense of humor. Dishonoring Christ and putting ungodly words in His mouth simply isn't funny.