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.

I’m not easily offended. I just think courtesy in dealing with people who think differently from you is preferable

Christians ( and people of other faiths) are ridiculed, persecuted and discriminated against across the globe . I think it is important to stand up for any group that is being mocked for their beliefs - whether you’re a member of that group or not.

@Limesodaagain yes true, but it depends on how you stand up for yourself. Christ and his disciples were ridiculed mocked and discriminated against and managed to set up a world religion with billions of followers…I guess and example would be - the horrible memes that go round taking the piss out of Jesus, vs the reaction from the Muslim community when people use an image of the prophet Mohammed - often violent. Yes, we should stand up for ourselves but I am a strong believer in non violent and respectful ways - as Christ did. I don’t think we will draw people to Christ by arguing in a nasty or personal way, or appearing self righteous. Also, we have to concede that in this country anyway (not others) we are the established religion so have a lot of rights not afforded to other religions…

Hmm - Not sure I’m following? I am also a believer in non violence- are you suggesting I’ve been nasty, personal or self righteous in asking that courtesy is used in a debate about religion?

@Limesodaagain no no not at all! I’m not suggesting that, just making a general point about why Christian’s might be seen as ‘soft targets’ or ribbed for their religion more - I hadn’t even read all your other posts to be honest 🙈. Sorry.

Sometimes I do think Its no wonder Christians are fair game 🙄

Aah - ok ! I’m just not happy with general piss taking about “sky fairies” etc . It’s ok for people to take the piss privately but it’s aggressively rude to do it directly to a believer

The people complaining about a lack of respect for beliefs, where do you draw the line? Would you really respect absolutely any belief for which there was zero proof? For example, do you think that someone who believed in ghosts, unicorns, leprechauns, crazy conspiracy theories or that the world is flat should expect everyone to take those beliefs seriously and respect them? If not, why not?

I know that religious people get very cross about their god(s) being likened to mythical creatures and woo beliefs, but there is no more proof of the existence of god than there is for any of those things. The fact that centuries-old or millennia-old cults have grown up around these invented gods does not change that. Why does Christianity (or any other religion) deserve more respect than those things?

@Limesodaagain yes true, it is rude but that’s on them - those people are probably just rude in other walks of life as well. Another point I always think to help myself feel better - at least by taking the piss they are thinking about religion and engaging in a conversation, unlike the majority who don’t give Christ a second thoughts. In the gospels some of the most vehement non believers ended up being converted at the end…just saying ☺️😂

It’s completely fine for you to think it’s all a load of absolute tosh ( obviously) All that I’m asking for is that people don’t use mocking language on social media. Obviously- they still will because it’s a free country and I defend the right to free speech- including the right to be rude and offensive.
However - I think it’s better for everyone if we don’t routinely take the piss out of groups we don’t agree with.
Im fine with piss taking in some ways ( I find Ricky Gervais very funny on religion)
I just don’t like the idea that it’s ok in general discourse on social media to take the piss out of someone’s religion.

Is it only religion that you think should be protected from mockery or are there other classes of belief you think should be automatically respected?

Expressing a view is not 'taking the piss' or discrimination though.

Who decides what's 'mocking' though?

Depends how the view has been expressed- (obviously)

This is such a typical xtian response.

“Sky fairy”?
“Delusional “?

Eh?

Not as typical as you think. Some of us are quite argumentative and contrary .

Christian belief openly mocks non-christians. 🫣

Ignore that. It was a fleeting irritation at the “meek and gentle” Christian trope

Yes - Christians are guilty too. And it would be right for you to call them out on it .

Expressing a view is not making fun of you.

It depends on the way you express it. If you call me delusional for believing in a sky fairy then you are making fun of me.
If you say there is no scientific evidence to support my belief then you are not making fun of me.

to be fair, in the Abrahamic religions it is the same god. And that god shouldn't mind a few hurty words, surely?

Having said that: personal insults and attacks should be reported. Maybe, unlike some of the ageism that is allowed, MN will delete. Or maybe they will suggest you robustly challenge it. Who knows until you try.

Well said @CurlewKate