Page 11 | Mocking Christianity

Ihatepcos · 2023-02-21T20:45:24+00:00

I am so sick of people thinking it's okay to ridicule Catholicism and Christianity. This is especially apparent on Mumsnet. Every time there's a thread about religion I can't even read the replies because they're so awful. The same doesn't seem to apply to the Muslim, Jewish, Hindu faiths etc. If you don't believe in God that is your choice. But purposely mocking someone's faith and calling it a load of bullshit (and worse) is just not acceptable. So many people turn to faith to help them through extremely tough times in life and you are mocking the only thing that is keeping them going.

weatherthestorms · 22/02/2023 14:13

if someone came on here telling me to believe in god or that the world is a better place for faith in it, I would disagree regardless of whether they were christian or Muslim or Jewish etc ( they're all the same really).
I feel in a better position to debunk the myths and stories of christianity and catholicism more accurately having been brought up catholic though.

JusteanBiscuits · 22/02/2023 14:17

Any religion that promotes a hell for those that go against their weird rules should be able to put up with some mocking.

It's bad to be gay, but OK to eat shell fish? Er, OK.

weatherthestorms · 22/02/2023 14:20

@Ihatepcos get your religion off our human rights, and we'll leave you alone.
Continue to make up random rules around who is and who isn't 'good', who deserves respect ( straight, married, believers) and who doesn't ( gays, people 'living in sin') and all you're doing is making everyone start to doubt your self-serving, fairy stories.

Brefugee · 22/02/2023 14:28

i must admit that i do find some aspects of some parts of Christianity baffling. This one, for example: when women were first ordained as priests in the Anglican church (not sure which ones were hold-outs) some priests decided to switch code and become catholic priests. Even married ones. Who then had to promise to be celibate. Just because they couldn't stand the idea of a female priest. Bonkers. Switching code like that. For sure i am going to joke and laugh about that. Or Richard Cole (Coles?) being "married" in a church even though he was a) a vicar and b) it's not actually allowed in the church he belongs to. Batshit. (much as i love him

MasterBeth · 22/02/2023 14:38

Kingoftheroad · 22/02/2023 01:08

Thank you so much for having the courage to say this. I have raised this issue withMNHQ in the past. Also, it has become the norm/acceptable to take our Lords name in vain. The usage of this type of language towards any other faiths leaders would be seen as abhorrent but because it’s Christianity it just seems to be a fair cop

Jesus, this gets tiresome. The amount of power and control that the church has in this country, and you dare get uppitty because someone uses a word in a way you don't like.

AnorLondo · 22/02/2023 14:48

GasPanic · 22/02/2023 13:49

I think its about respect for other people and their beliefs. I don't expect people to disrespect my feelings about certain things, so I don't go around disrespecting others. I've worked in a large number of different countries and cultures, and can say with certainty that going around disrespecting peoples views on things like religion is not likely to make you many friends. That doesn't mean you have to agree, but does mean that you should probably end the discussion politely and firmly if it is likely to lead to something you believe is contentious or feel strongly about. Most people usually get the message and are in agreement.

I think religion helps a lot of people order their lives and provides a moral framework for them to live to. It also helps comfort them at difficult times. These are the good things about religion. Of course there are also bad things, sometimes dogma, intolerance and discrimination, but this is true of most things, there are positive and negative aspects to them.

You should respect other peoples views and lifestyles and in turn they should respect yours. I'm pretty sure a lot of people lving in politically/religiously contentious places are more than capable of finding their own way as regards what sort of society they want to live in without any input from me - not least because it's unlikely I understand the complexities of their society and why it is the way it is.

Why should people respect racist, sexist, homophobic views?

pointythings · 22/02/2023 15:21

Also, it has become the norm/acceptable to take our Lords name in vain.

Yep, so glad all that deference is gone. He may be your lord, but he isn't mine. You don't get to restrict what people who do not believe what you do are allowed to say.

RampantIvy · 22/02/2023 17:08

How does the fact that others have inflicted enormous damage make it OK that Christians have done so?

It doesn't @Xol, not at all, but Christians aren't the only people who have caused all sorts of atrocities in the name of religion or in the absence of religion.

Fairislefandango · 22/02/2023 17:45

You should respect other peoples views and lifestyles

What, absolutely all views and lifestyles @GasPanic ? Really?! And if not absolutely all views and lifestyles, then who decides which ones are deserving of respect?

I think you should behave respectfully to almost all people. I don't believe you should feel compelled to have respect for all views and beliefs.

pointythings · 22/02/2023 18:21

@GasPanic I'm all for respecting people's beliefs and lifestyles. But they also have to respect mine. That means freedom of religion must also mean freedom from religion. So no laws or prohibitions founded in faith. Moral and ethical issues to be debated and decided upon without any reference to any deities. It really shouldn't be hard to do.

cakeorwine · 22/02/2023 18:34

What I find hypocritical is people (especially in politics and on Twitter) who claim to be Christian and who get upset about Christianity being questioned don't seem to behave like "Jesus would". To follow the values he talked about.

I don't think that makes them Christians. That is following the teachings of Christ.

And if you think about Judeo Christian values - the 10 Commandments. Well, it's not that simple for some people who are Christians. is it?

So I would ask someone who is Christian - how do you follow your faith and what are the values of Christ?

GodisLove0 · 22/02/2023 18:53

@cakeorwine I'll try to answer your question:

I try to follow Christ by loving everyone through action. This can prove difficult at times. I am finding someone at work particularly tricky at the moment but I am trying to follow what Jesus would do and be patient and kind.
I try to separate the sin from the person and not judge. It is absolutely not my place to judge.
I will try and help people if I can.

But obviously, I'm human. I do judge, I do get (inwardly) annoyed with people and do things I shouldn't be doing. But I try hard not to, and will pray on it after. I fail daily, hourly, but keep going. Some days its hard, some days it's easier.

Last night was particular difficult, reading some of the comments, but everyone has their opinion.

You're right though, some days I do feel like an absolute hypocrite. Those days are hard. I'll continue with my faith because Jesus gives me comfort and I am thankful for what He did for us.

On a lighter note, I like your username. Today has been a cake day!

Lentilweaver · 22/02/2023 19:12

Nobody has yet answered my question about what Christian values are. Literally every religion urges followers to do charity, help the needy, not be greedy, be kind and compassionate etc etc. These aren't the preserve of Christians.

The problem is they don't stop there.

Notwavingbutsignalling · 22/02/2023 19:22

Christ @Lentilweaver

its in the name😉

the values that Christ talked of and embodied

GodisLove0 · 22/02/2023 19:22

@Lentilweaver you're right, all religions do similar things in this way.

Christianity is different in that the bible says that just by saying aloud, that you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that he was resurrected, we will be resurrected too. There are no good works that can get us into the Kingdom of Heaven. Other religions believe in good works to enter heaven.

However, that's not a free pass to go around doing what you like. Loving others as you would love yourself, feeding the hungry, visiting those in prison, giving clothes to people who need them, not judging others, these are the values that Jesus taught us.

I'm not very good at explaining it, so I'm sorry if I've confused you more.

pointythings · 22/02/2023 19:35

@GodisLove0 those are values also shared by atheists, so they are not unique to Christianity or to religion in general.

Organised religion (note: not individual believers) notably fail in most of those values.

GodisLove0 · 22/02/2023 19:44

@pointythings agreed. Christians do not have the monopoly on these values.

TheWelshposter · 22/02/2023 19:52

Why isn't it ok to mock the Catholic church? It's a corrupt, misogynistic, disgusting organisation that buried babies in septic tanks and abused mothers and babies in its homes.

How.any woman is a member of this church is beyond me.

I say this as someone with a Catholic upbringing, education and many devout family members.

Notwavingbutsignalling · 22/02/2023 20:10

@pointythings

@GodisLove0 those are values also shared by atheists, so they are not unique to Christianity or to religion in general.

so?

OMG12 · 22/02/2023 20:16

I liked the fact Christ had his priorities right.

Big reveal, using the power of God to perform a miracle - he had his pick, world peace, getting rid of those Pesky Romans ending of poverty, curing all. Illness and disease - what did he go for? Making more wine! What a guy!!!!!

pointythings · 22/02/2023 20:37

@Notwavingbutsignalling so we can make laws using those common human values without the involvement of the religious establishment - so no more Bishops in the HoL, for starters. We can have good, moral secular laws. We can exclude laws rooted in hatred and bigotry, like laws making gay sex illegal. We can have a debate about abortion and assisted dying that doesn't need to reference any gods.

Hence · 22/02/2023 20:42

If anyone else started talking to imaginary sky fairies and trying to tell everyone else they were real then they would get sectioned. It is absolute insanity and I am so pleased religion in general seems to be on the decline. We have science and logic now, we don't need myths and fairytales to try and explain stuff anymore. If anything we should be mocking religion more as it is ridiculous. Enough is enough thank you. I was so pleased to see the latest census results. Byyyyyyyyyye to the sky fairies!!!

Thebestwaytoscareatory · 22/02/2023 20:44

What are Christian values exactly? I have always wanted to know.

I'd imagine they're much the same as any other religion i.e., mainly along the lines of "I'm right, you're wrong, you're all going to heeeeey, don't look in my closet! No, when I said that was a mortal sin I didn't mean if I do, and anyway that one only had 300 year lifespan, so it's ok now."

You should respect other peoples views and lifestyles and in turn they should respect yours.

That only works if you keep your beliefs to yourself. The moment you join/support an organisation that actively campaigns against equal rights and tries enforce discriminatory practices on people you're no longer respecting others.

Hence · 22/02/2023 20:46

Also Christianity is fundamentally anti-woman, anti-gay and is the cause of so many wars and death. I am not even going to get started on the sexual abuse that has occurred by Christian leaders. I have zero respect for anyone who is involved on any level with such an abhorrent organisation.

OMG12 · 22/02/2023 20:48

Thebestwaytoscareatory · 22/02/2023 20:44

What are Christian values exactly? I have always wanted to know.

I'd imagine they're much the same as any other religion i.e., mainly along the lines of "I'm right, you're wrong, you're all going to heeeeey, don't look in my closet! No, when I said that was a mortal sin I didn't mean if I do, and anyway that one only had 300 year lifespan, so it's ok now."

You should respect other peoples views and lifestyles and in turn they should respect yours.

That only works if you keep your beliefs to yourself. The moment you join/support an organisation that actively campaigns against equal rights and tries enforce discriminatory practices on people you're no longer respecting others.

I think they’re just a condensed version of the 42 Divine Principles of Ma’at from ancient Eygpt

I have not committed sin.

I have not committed robbery with violence.
I have not stolen.
I have not slain men or women.
I have not stolen food.
I have not swindled offerings.
I have not stolen from God/Goddess.
I have not told lies.
I have not carried away food.
I have not cursed.
I have not closed my ears to truth.
I have not committed adultery.
I have not made anyone cry.
I have not felt sorrow without reason.
I have not assaulted anyone.
I am not deceitful.
I have not stolen anyone’s land.
I have not been an eavesdropper.
I have not falsely accused anyone.
I have not been angry without reason.
I have not seduced anyone’s wife.
I have not polluted myself.
I have not terrorized anyone.
I have not disobeyed the Law.
I have not been exclusively angry.
I have not cursed God/Goddess.
I have not behaved with violence.
I have not caused disruption of peace.
I have not acted hastily or without thought.
I have not overstepped my boundaries of concern.
I have not exaggerated my words when speaking.
I have not worked evil.
I have not used evil thoughts, words or deeds.
I have not polluted the water.
I have not spoken angrily or arrogantly.
I have not cursed anyone in thought, word or deeds.
I have not placed myself on a pedestal.
I have not stolen what belongs to God/Goddess.
I have not stolen from or disrespected the deceased.
I have not taken food from a child.
I have not acted with insolence.
I have not destroyed property belonging to God/Goddess

look familiar???