Why do you allow people to attack and ridicule Christianity?

[Singersong]

Time and time again I see people taking the absolute piss out of Christianity. Calling people delusional and saying it's made up bullshit etc. why do you allow this? I don't see this about any other religion.

It goes far beyond atheism and you claim to be against hate speech.

No one has said this?

'Acceptable' to whom? You? I can manage without your approval.

I am Scottish and my church is Anglican. So the clue really isn't in the name.

I'm not mocking anyone.
Expressing a view isn't mocking.

If someone tried to convert me to their religion I wouldn't tell them they were delusional. I would just say I don't believe in God. That isn't rude or disprespectful.

What 'dig' are you referring to?

Apparently expressing a view is mocking people.🫡

By “Acceptable” I mean there are ways of being honest about your atheism without causing offence . In other words- ways of having an honest communication that will be “accepted “ by the religious person you are talking to.
But somehow I don’t think you are genuinely interested in that kind of honest respectful dialogue. I think maybe 🤔 you enjoy giving offence?

People expressing a view are being accused of mocking. 🫣

Are you incapable of expressing your views without using offensive terms?

I'd tell them 'been there, done that, thankfully escaped'. To some that would apparently be 'mocking' yet they're allowed to tell me how thankful they are to be 'saved'. 🫣

Some people seem to be incapable of differentiating between mocking and expressing a valid opinion so.....

Don't religious people also then have to speak about their religion in a way that's acceptable to atheists and to other religions? Many don't.

Yes - that’s exactly my point . … 🙄

And if the person you’re talking to feels that your language is mocking - do you persist in using it because you don’t care what their view is?

If both parties want to have genuine communication there needs to be respect on both sides. Obviously.

Them suggesting it's mocking doesn't mean it is mocking. Expressing an opinion is not mocking.
Christians actually use horrific language to guilt trip people into believing in their god too - telling people they're so full of sin that they need saving, telling people how to live, saying their way is the only way and so on.

Respect is letting people express a view and not telling them they are mocking just because you don't like that view.

Hello @Singersong thanks for posting.

We understand that discussions about religion can be deeply personal and sensitive and our general approach is to address any issues with that in mind but considering the wider context of the discussion.

We are sometimes asked to delete criticism of religious beliefs as hate speech but we think it's important to differentiate between criticising beliefs and attacking individuals. It's not uncommon for people to express strong opinions about religious beliefs, including Christianity, especially on Mumsnet where our users have many opinions and are not shy about sharing them! Allowing criticism of all ideas, including religious ones, is fundamental to upholding freedom of speech. However, personal attacks, name-calling, or targeting individuals for their beliefs cross the line into hate speech and are not tolerated.

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Thanks.

I’m sorry if you’ve met some horrible Christians. We not all the same .
Im sure you do know that using certain language like “delusional “ or “sky fairy” is intended to mock .
I think if you’re honest you think it is OK to mock religion.

All christians believe in sin and saving and that their way is the only way though, not just 'horrible ones'.
Again, expressing an opinion isn't mocking. Read the very sensible reply from MNHQ.

I am Christian and I know what you mean…it doesn’t really bother me too much. My theory is it’s more acceptable for a couple of reasons - 1. Christianity is seen as the ‘established’ religion of the country - so therefore people think it’s ok to take the piss - kind of in the same way as they’d take the piss and ridicule our government etc - we are not routinely discriminated against like some other groups. 2. Christian teaching is very much ‘turn the other cheek’ ‘love your enemies’ , so I think when Christian’s are discriminated against they often will do just that - following Christ’s teaching so don’t ’stick up for themselves’ if that makes sense - which is correct - as a Christian people can attack and take the piss and I always try to respond with gentleness and love, or argue back in a respectful way 🤷‍♀️.

I have no problem at all with your views . I enjoy having debate with people of all faiths and none.
It is the way views are expressed that is the problem. Many of my friends are atheists but they don’t make fun of my beliefs or use pejorative language to my face because that would be rude. I think that’s just basic manners.

You are a much better advertisement for your faith than some of the easily offended on this thread.

@PaleSunshineOfHope thankyou - that actually means a lot to me 🙏

Agreed. I have no problem with that at all.