Christians in Britain aren’t oversensitive about being mocked or criticised

[rug]

October 11, 2012
Posted by: National Secular Society

A new poll of 2,000 committed Christians shows that most of them would not be offended by jokes about Jesus – even if they were intended to be insulting.

Three quarters of those asked said that freedom of speech should not be restricted, even if it offends people’s deeply held religious convictions.

Even though there was overwhelming sympathy for those Muslims who were offended by the recent film Innocence of Muslims, they were equally convinced that there should be no curb on freedom of expression – or that it should only be a last resort option.

More than eight out of 10 (84%) said they would “defend” followers of other faiths such as Islam from antireligious sentiment even if they profoundly disagreed with their beliefs. A similar proportion said that freedom of expression must accommodate all views, except for extreme opinions likely to incite hatred.

http://www.secularnewsdaily.com/2012/10/christians-in-britain-arent-oversensitive-about-being-mocked-or-criticised/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+paliban%2FRDkF+%28Secular+News+Daily%29

Dawkins must try harder.

[dmallind]

1. I rather think this is a better lesson for American Christians than for Dawkins

It will,of course, be lost on them.

[cbayer]

4. Why do you think it would be lost on American Christians?

While there are some extremists who would reject this message, there are many more that are embracing tolerance and forming inter-faith coalitions.

Could it be that your view of all christians is narrowly painted?

[dmallind]

14. You obviously think all atheists are fucking morons, but how moronic must I be

to not be familiar with Christians in a country that is 83% Christian? What the hell kind of mouthbreathing cretin doesn't know how Christianity works in this nation? A nation where three times as many people think God created the world in 6 days more recently than we have human writing than those who accept basic science? A nation where more than two thirds of the populace believes in a literal Satan and angels? A nation where there is one single nonbeliever in national office? A nation where the vast majority think bronze age nomads had morality, science, law and cosmogeny 100% accurate?

However much you pretend the very tiny near-silent impotent mewling fraction of Christians who don't have orgasmic dreams over the likes of me burning in the eternal agony promised by the nominal head of your religion are representative, EVERY single survey of religious belief in the country shows my "narrow" view to be exactly in accord with the real thoughts and beliefs of the majority of Christians. They're your coreligionists. Accept them or correct them - just don't treat me like I'm a fucking idiot and that I'm wrong about them. I know otherwise, and they agree with my assessment - not your Panglossean kumbaya nonsense.

[rug]

15. Hmm, exactly how many Christians do you think are having orgasms over you burning in hell?

[cbayer]

17. My goodness, my simple statement led to that?

I'm going to leave you be.

[cleanhippie]

19. You should repost this as an OP.

[bodem1955_om]

21. excellent point

[Bluenorthwest]

2. Perhaps they recall the specific teachings of Jesus which say his followers should

expect mockery and even persecution and that they must respond to that with joy and gladness? Perhaps they take such teachings seriously, due to the speaker of the teachings, and perhaps they attempt to live by those teachings?
I'd like to see that cross the Atlantic.

[humblebum]

3. The intent behind the criticism or mocking is what really matters to most IMO.

If the intent of the mocker is to ridicule or shame another, then bigotry is obvious.

[mr blur]

5. You must try harder. That was desperate.

[cbayer]

6. Huh? What do you find desperate about this article?

[muriel_volestrangler]

7. I suspect it's rug's "Dawkins must try harder" remark at the end (nt)

[cbayer]

8. Ah. Got it.

[rug]

11. Do you find that remark to be desperate?

If so, what do you find desperate about it?

[muriel_volestrangler]

12. I was pointing out the 'must try harder' link

Desperate? No. Worth making? No.

[rug]

13. That's the reaction I generally have to Dawkins' speeches and internet posts.

[rug]

16. You must try harder. That was predictable.

[JNelson6563]

9. American Christians could learn from them.

[rug]

10. Which ones?

Or do you mean all of them?

[JNelson6563]

18. The thin skinned ones.

[LeftishBrit]

20. This is correct with regard to most people

There are a few who have adopted the 'perpetually offended' attitude; notably Andrea Minichiello Williams and her dreadful Christian Concern organization.

www.christianconcern.com

and what seems like most of the bloggers on the Torygraph.

But mostly people are prepared to live and let live, and long may this continue.