(RNS) Blasphemy. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. And the T-shirt reads, “Faith is no reason.”
The Center for Inquiry (CFI), an international advocacy group based in Amherst, N.Y., picked that brief phrase as the winner of its first-ever blasphemy contest.
Contestants were invited to submit slogans of 20 words or fewer that were critical of religious faith. The competition, launched to mark the inaugural International Blasphemy Day, attracted 1,000 entries from 650 participants, but also drew criticism from online commentators, some of whom called it offensive and suggested CFI was soliciting hate speech.
One CFI supporter even distanced himself from the contest on the organization’s Web site, calling it “not dissimilar to the anti-Semitic cartoons of the Nazi era.”
The top five contest winners are to receive T-shirts printed with their phrases; the first-place winner, Ken Peters of California, will also receive a coffee mug featuring his submission.
Ronald Lindsay, president and CEO of the atheist group, said the organization was overwhelmed by the response to the contest. Much of the criticism, he suggested, came from observers who may not have read the contest rules, which discouraged sexual jokes and other “crude entries.”
While the contest might insult some people, Lindsay said the primary purpose was not to offend religious sensibilities. CFI argues that religious beliefs ought to be subject to examination and criticism, just like other beliefs.
“There are (religious) believers who will take offense but we think you can’t let that limit free speech,” said Lindsay.
Lindsay, who was one of the contest judges, said Peters’ winning entry received extra points for brevity. “That particular slogan nicely summarizes what we’re trying to do with our mission,” he said. “We were not interested in things directed against religious believers, and we’re not trying to humiliate believers.”
CFI is considering other uses for the slogan, including advertising campaigns in the same vein as the atheist bus ads that ran recently in parts of England, Canada and the U.S.
By Leanne Larmondin
Copyright 2009 Religion News Service. All rights reserved. No part of this transmission may be distributed or reproduced without written permission
Beliefnet
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posted November 18, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Doesn’t bother this Christian what anyone writes on their tee shirt. If I wore message shirts mine would read, “Faith doesn’t need a reason”.
posted November 18, 2009 at 7:06 pm
OK, I get that it is just a t-shirt and a mug; and I appreciate their interest at intorducing humor, wordplay, and basic all around cleverness in this contest. But they have the name wrong to begin with. This is not blasphemous. If it were it would be directed at God, not the believers. Second, it is not all that correct. Most of the people I know and work with that profess faith (in any of the many religions) are very reasonable, smart, and aware. Sadly the winner of this contest betrays ignorance of religion as much as religous people seem proud of their ignorance about atheism. So rather than easing any tension or adding to the debate – this is simply a squirrels nest added to some kindling – a momentary flare with no heat.
I hope he looks cool and enjoys his coffee. It will amise someone for a few minutes – and I guess that is all that can be expected.
posted November 18, 2009 at 8:34 pm
this is my th time trying to post this comment.
I’m trying to say—I have never understood why some people hate it that others have faith in some sort of religion
posted November 18, 2009 at 9:26 pm
“I have never understood why some people hate it that others have faith in some sort of religion.”
When religion becomes indoctrinated in politics, and a President uses it as a reason to invade Iraq, by saying God told him too, or when wealthy religious lobbiest’s use their money to keep evolution from being taught properly in public schools, that’s when we all have a problem.
posted November 18, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Guys, guys. Faith, religion, and belief share something: they are held to be true without proof, and continue to be held true even in the face of evidence to the contrary. That’s something that should be known and recognized. So, the winner is representing clear thinking and a very rational, logical viewpoint. Faith and reason are anathema to each other. Pretending that this is not so is, honestly, ilogical and unreasonable, which, in a nice and circular way, pretty much proves my point.
posted November 18, 2009 at 9:59 pm
When I heard about the contest a couple of days before it closed, I looked up the dictionary definition of Blasphemy: A contemptuous or profane act or writing concern God or a sacred entity.
Unfortunately that left me with so many gods, and too little time.
posted November 18, 2009 at 10:30 pm
I admit it’s not clear to me it’s blasphemy but I can see that in some generalized sense it probably is.
It’s certainly not expressing any hate, just commentary on some sloppy thinking that we see all too often regarding public issues that impact a lot of people other than just the believers who are all to willing to inflict their faith-based ideas on others.
posted November 18, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Why such a big deal over a contest that only had 1,000 entries from 650 participants?
Seems much ado about nothing to me.
posted November 19, 2009 at 8:12 am
It is hardly blasphemy, since I, as a person of faith, agree whole-heartedly with it. Of course, the reverse is also true. Reason is no faith.
posted November 20, 2009 at 1:32 am
Sure it would be unimportant as a single event but the organized effort to draw people from God is a threat to the fiber of humanity. For some it is one of those things they only see when it is too late. As people like this draw generations away from relationships with God there is cultivated a generation of shallow and deadly youth.
posted November 20, 2009 at 11:52 am
cknuck, FYI, my children weren’t raised in a Christian home, but were exposed to it with summer visits to their grandparents on my side. There was no way I was going to lie to them and tell them there was a god. We raised them in a UU church. They are happy, loving caring adults with one married and one to be in January, far from shallow and deadly people. So that statement isn’t true for everyone. You’d like to think all kids who aren’t in a religion will be uncaring etc. I’ve known many “Christian” youth who are selfish, shallow and deadly. Religion isn’t a necessity for raising a kid. After all, how about all the youth being raised Muslim and have decided to kill for it??
posted November 20, 2009 at 2:01 pm
pagan there is a huge difference in calling yourself Christian and actually having a relationship. I’m not condemning all youth I am merely citing a phenomenon that is occurring and why.
posted November 20, 2009 at 7:02 pm
“……huge difference in calling yourself Christian and actually having a relationship” cknuck
Expect part of that is true. My kids saw and see the best of what being a Christian is….as all my relatives are Christians, with that relationship you talk about. My sisters and other relatives are my example of what true Christianity is. (as are a couple of posters here)
posted November 22, 2009 at 12:00 am
I don’t know your relatives you keep injecting them into the conversation as qualifiers of Christianity. As I said before, everyone that says they are Christians aren’t, and having a pagan qualify you is not a good indicator
posted November 22, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Pagansister I like hearing about your relatives and the love you have between you, they sound like excellent qualifiers of Christianity. Your understanding of people and your genuine caring are more Christ like than some posters on B.N. who put all Christians down who aren’t fundamentalists.
posted November 22, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Thanks for the compliment, Henrietta. Yes, my family members are excellent qualifiers of Christianity. You were one of the ones I was referring to when I mentioned the couple of posters who, IMO, qualify as examples of true Christianity.
No, cknuck, you don’t know my relatives. Your loss. They are proof everyday of Christianity. Unlike some, they live the word, without being judgemental of those who don’t agree with what they believe. As to my beliefs and ability to decipher a “good Christian” from a “bad” Christian? I’ll put up my abilities up against yours anyday, cknuck.
posted November 22, 2009 at 10:40 pm
. pagan, quote, ” As to my beliefs and ability to decipher a “good Christian” from a “bad” Christian? I’ll put up my abilities up against yours anyday, cknuck”
Sounds just about right from a self proclaimed pagan. I’ve seen your assualt of Christ in many of your post, so is it about works or people or is it about the Christ who you not only deny daily but clown and name call every chance you get? H22 agrees so the two of you are in the same place. No wonder you think you know a good Christian they are the ones who appreciate you Christ put downs and jokes and endorse you as a righteous person. The bible says you are a enemy of God’s a enemy of His kingdom. Of course you know I stand guilty of believing the bible.
posted November 23, 2009 at 11:13 am
Have you ever noticed that you, Cknuck, are always at war with everyone on this board, with the exception of GC? If you are so unhappy with our discussions and acceptance of each other why do you keep coming back? You must like arguments, and being nasty. We should just ignore your insults, make no comments, and let you have the last word, perhaps then you’ll either decide to read and keep your thoughts to yourself, or decide to post elsewhere.
posted November 23, 2009 at 2:16 pm
H22 have you ever notice you guys are the only people on these boards. You don’t run the boards but you all (including the so-called Christian here) have the same opinions about homosexuality and Christianity. Guess what it’s only about five or six of you seven or eight tops. there are many people who just don’t have the time to comment because you guys gang up on people who show up with different opinions. Me I’ve been a fighter all of my life, so you might be better off ignoring my post because I will always give better than I get. H22 find yourself a good church.
posted November 23, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Whoa, CK, deciding that just because some of us agree on things that that is ganging up? I have commented on some of the other blogs, when the subject(s) interest me…and haven’t seen your name on any of them. You and several others are in agreement, so does that count as ganging up? Just wondered.
BTW, others post here…they just never return for a discussion…their problem. Guess you’ve never noticed.
Yes, Henrietta and I (and several others) agree on some things, but not all. However when we disagree, it isn’t because one of us feels superior to the other. It’s called discussion and opinion exchange.
This self-proclaimed Pagan is proud, and will still put up my abilities to tell a “good Christian” from a “bad Christian” anyday. Thanks for the compliment…”sounds just about right from a self proclaimed pagan.” As to what the bible says …the enemy of the God’s kingdom…I’m not worried. The book was written by human beings, thus the judgement comes from what some people think…and those who wrote it are dead.
posted November 23, 2009 at 10:31 pm
You do know what you sound like,
posted November 24, 2009 at 8:17 pm
No, cknuck, tell me! A Pagan maybe? Wow, you’re smart. I call it as I see it….Most Christians I know…and that is a lot….are fine people, that I admire and love (family for instance…yeah, them again) so my opinions are just that. Even though you refuse to believe it…I don’t hate any religion. I just find those who refuse to belive there are many acceptiable religions in the world and all are on an equal footing really arrogant. Some religion’s leaders are like that…some aren’t.
BTW, do you know what you often sound like?
posted November 24, 2009 at 10:23 pm
yes I do know what I sound like pagan I do a lot of public speaking so I have a good grasp on what I sound like, and if I sound aggrogant because I disagree with you deal with it.
posted November 25, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Dealing, ck, dealing! Whatever. Hope your Thanksgivng is a good one!
)
BTW, if you agreed with me, I’d think you were ill!
posted November 29, 2009 at 5:14 pm
love you for that response pagan
posted December 22, 2009 at 4:15 am
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