Blasphemy refers to language or behavior that shows irreverence or contempt towards God or something sacred. Different cultures and religions have differing perspectives on what constitutes blasphemy. In some religious traditions, blasphemy is viewed as a grave sin or crime punishable under law. Words considered blasphemous often revolve around profaning the name of God or sacred figures.
What religions consider certain words blasphemous?
The three major Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity and Islam all have strong prohibitions against blasphemy. However, views on what specific language is blasphemous can vary between different denominations and legal jurisdictions.
Judaism
In Judaism, blasphemy involves cursing or reviling God by using one of the Seven Holy Names of God. These names, like Yahweh and Elohim, have great spiritual significance so misusing them is considered a grave sin. Even destroying or defacing a written version of the names of God can be seen as blasphemous. Under traditional Jewish law, blasphemy was punishable by death, though this penalty has not been enforced for centuries.
Christianity
Historically in Christianity, blasphemy was regarded as a form of heresy and defiance of the Church’s authority. Words and actions viewed as insulting, mocking or showing contempt towards Jesus Christ, the Holy Trinity or the Virgin Mary were treated as blasphemous. The Bible warns the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an unforgivable eternal sin (Mark 3:29). Medieval canon law contained harsh punishments for blasphemy including death, though these have been abolished in modern times.
Islam
Blasphemy is considered a hudud sin in Islam, an offense against divine will. The Quran condemns those who “blaspheme against Allah’s name” (6:108). Speech or actions showing irreverence towards Allah, Muhammad or other prophets is prohibited. Anti-blasphemy laws are common in many Muslim nations, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment or corporal punishment.
What words are considered blasphemous across religions?
While views on blasphemy differ, there are some common themes across Judaism, Christianity and Islam:
- Using the Lord’s name in vain – Phrases like “Oh my God” or “Jesus Christ” as exclamations could be seen as disrespectful.
- Profanity against God and sacred figures – Using offensive curse words and expletives to malign them.
- Irreverent humor – Jokes mocking religious beliefs, texts or rituals.
- Insults towards prophets and saints – Calling them names or spreading slander.
More specifically, words considered blasphemous can include:
Names and Epithets of God
- Yahweh, Jehovah (Judaism)
- Jesus, Christ (Christianity)
- Allah, Muhammad (Islam)
Holy Texts and Rituals
- The Torah, Talmud (Judaism)
- The Bible, The Eucharist (Christianity)
- The Quran, Salah (Islam)
Vulgarities and Profanities
- Religious swear words like “Jesus F****** Christ”
- Sexually explicit references about figures like Mary
- Extreme pejoratives like “Muhammad was a P****”
Use of these types of words, in certain contexts, may be considered blasphemous and deeply offensive by religious adherents.
What words are legally prohibited as blasphemy?
While most modern democracies no longer outlaw blasphemy, some countries still have anti-blasphemy laws on the books including prohibitions on:
Insulting Religion
In nations with state religions or strict religious morality laws, insulting or speaking contemptuously about a religion can be prosecuted as blasphemy. This includes countries like:
- Pakistan – Insulting the Quran or Muhammad carries penalties ranging from fines to death.
- Russia – A 2013 law makes offending religious believers’ feelings a criminal offense.
- Indonesia – Up to 5 years in jail for deviant interpretations of religion under its 1965 blasphemy law.
Insulting God
Blaspheming against the names, images or sanctity of God remains illegal in some places such as:
- Massachusetts – Still has centuries-old laws against blaspheming God’s name on its books.
- Germany – Outlaws defamation of religions, deities and religious symbols.
- Greece – Up to 2 years in prison for blaspheming God or religions.
Insulting Prophets
In Islamic countries, anti-blasphemy laws often focus on protecting revered prophets and figures like:
- Egypt – Up to 5 years imprisonment for insulting Abrahamic prophets such as Muhammad.
- Iran – Laws against insulting Islamic sanctities and prophets, punishable by death.
- Algeria – 1-3 years in jail for insulting Muhammad or other prophets.
However, most democratic countries have abolished their anti-blasphemy laws on grounds of free speech. The United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and most European nations no longer outlaw blasphemy.
What are some historic and recent blasphemy controversies?
Accusations of blasphemy have stirred immense controversy throughout history to the present day:
Historic Examples
- Socrates – Ancient Greek philosopher sentenced to death for allegedly corrupting youth and blaspheming the gods.
- Early Christians – Persecuted for refusing to participate in Roman rituals seen as blasphemous of their faith.
- Salman Rushdie – His 1988 novel “The Satanic Verses” was condemned as blasphemous by Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini.
Recent Controversies
- Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons (2005) – Danish newspaper faced Muslim world uproar for publishing cartoons of Muhammad.
- Charlie Hebdo cartoons (2012-2015) – Satirical French magazine was firebombed and later attacked by gunmen for content depicting Muhammad.
- Asia Bibi case (2009-2018) – Pakistani Christian woman sentenced to death for allegedly blaspheming Islam during an argument before later being acquitted.
These cases illustrate the passionate tensions that can erupt from perceptions of blasphemy across different cultural worldviews.
What are the arguments for and against blasphemy laws?
There are impassioned debates around the need for anti-blasphemy legislation:
Arguments for blasphemy laws
- Protect religious minorities from hatred and discrimination.
- Uphold public decency and morals aligned with religious values.
- Preserve reverence for sacred figures and customs.
- Promote tolerance by deterring religious insults.
Arguments against blasphemy laws
- Infringe on freedom of speech and expression.
- Can be misused to persecute minorities and dissenters.
- Impose specific religious values on a pluralistic society.
- Instill fear of prosecution rather than genuine respect.
Given these arguments, most contemporary legal scholars advocate that blasphemy should not be criminalized in modern democracies.
What are alternatives to blasphemy laws?
Some alternatives that democratic societies use to balance religious freedoms and free speech include:
- Hate speech laws – Prohibit incitement of violence or discrimination against religious groups.
- Holocaust denial laws – Ban the distortion of genocides recognized under international law.
- Defamation laws – Allow members of any religious group to file civil lawsuits for reputational damages.
- Education – Promote religious literacy and teach respect for different beliefs.
- Interfaith dialogue – Build connections between diverse religious communities.
With thoughtful engagement and anti-discrimination protections, societies can potentially criticize and debate religious ideas without resorting to state-enforced blasphemy laws.
Conclusion
Blasphemy remains a fraught concept entangled with clashing visions of the relationship between faith and free expression. While most democracies have abolished anti-blasphemy legislation, perceptions of blasphemy continue to create social tensions and trigger calls for censorship. Navigating these complex disputes requires empathy, ethics and understanding across diverse cultural worldviews. With open and respectful dialogue, it may be possible to affirm free speech while building mutual understanding between beliefs.