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Ireland Passes Blasphemy Law

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IRELAND
Whatever happened to the separation between Church and State? I guess that this principle differs largely from one country to another, but I was really surprised when I read about the new law that was passed in Ireland on Friday. Called the blasphemy law, it places hefty fines on people who commit violations. One such violation is to publish or utter “matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby causing outrage among a substantial number of the adherents of that religion.” This violation requires a fine that can go as high as 25,000 euros (USD 35,000)!

At first glance, I can already foresee questions arising. What is the definition of outrage? What is a substantial number?

Don’t get me wrong – I am a person of very strong faith and religious ties. However, the whole thing about the government enacting such a law seems a little off to me. Atheist groups and other similar entities in Ireland are reacting a bit more – as can only be expected.

A group called Atheist Ireland actually went as far as to publish content on its web site. What they did was to collect quotes from famous and respected people – quotes which can be considered blasphemous under the law. Interestingly enough, the quotes came from figures such as Jesus Christ, Muhammad, and Pope Benedict XVI – all religious icons. By doing this, the group might just get in trouble with the law.
Do you think that this law will hold water? Is it still applicable considering the time?

“Queers” Welcomed With Open Arms In Evangelical Church

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Gay Affirming Church
The homosexual issue has always been controversial, although it has become less so in certain circles over the years. One proof of this is Highlands Church in Denver, which openly welcomes gays and lesbians to its congregation. Led by Rev. Mark Tidd, the church has broken away from tradition. In fact, the Reverend delivers a weekly welcome speech including these words: “queer or straight here, there’s no hate here.”

As can be expected, the church has drawn a lot of attention – both positive and negative. For example, David Dockery (Union University President; Southern Baptist) says that the church will continue to be considered as a renegade congregation. He does accede that the traditional evangelical view cannot be expected to be carried on unanimously by everyone considering the shifts in culture and way of thinking. However, he also says that this is even stronger reason to maintain a solid stand against homosexuality (not the person, but the lifestyle).

Since Highlands Church changed its stance on the issue, it has lost a considerable number of its members – about half in fact. On the other hand, it has also attracted new members who have been seeking a church with this kind of belief.

The Church states that they are not out to fight for social justice or gay and lesbian rights. They exist simply to fulfill a spiritual need to those who are generally unwelcome in other churches.

To be honest, the whole thing disturbs me. It disturbs me that I maintain the traditional evangelical view because it seems to alienate people. That is why I admire Highlands Church for opening its doors. At the same time, the whole notion of dismissing something so fundamental, so clearly written in your Book of Faith, also doesn’t sit well with me. I can just imagine how those who are more closely involved in the issue feel!

What are your thoughts?