I’m sure most of yall have heard of the controversies in the past few years over the depiction of Mohammed. Muslim groups have been angered by non Muslims depicting their prophet in cartoons. Now there is a cartoonist in Seattle that is advocating an “Everybody Draw Mohammed Day” I have mixed [and a bit contradicting] opinions on this whole issue, and would like to hear your thoughts on it.
1. The Muslims that are getting upset and threatening cartoonists are absolutely ridiculous. It’s a cartoon, and I don’t care what your religion says about drawing your prophet. The cartoonists aren’t Muslim, so they’re not obligated to live by your rules.
2. Then again, is it really smart to intentionally provoke them? We’ve seen what the extremists can do.
3. Should I as a Christian show them the same level of respect I’d want from them? I wouldn’t want them to defame Jesus, even though he is not their deity.
4. Aren’t these “depictions” of Mohammed really dependent on a caption? Seriously. We know what Buddha looked like [or at least have a mainstream image]. Jesus, though probably incorrect, has a very easily recognized visage. But show me a picture of “Mohammed” and I wouldn’t know it without a caption.
5. South Park is known for their crude humor. I highly respect the principles for which its creators fight. Freedom of speech for all is important. I think Christians, who are often criticized for their opinions, should support this principle of protecting unpopular speech . I do find this to be in poor taste however. In making a point against Islam and censorship, they are continuing their tradition of intentionally disrespecting religions.
Many Muslims do not believe in our First Amendment, freedom of speech and freedom to worship as our heart leads us. Doctrinally, the Muslim faith teaches death to those who refuse to convert. This is why I have a problem with Muslims being in out Military or running for political office. Both require an oath the defend the Constitution against all enemy's, foreign or domestic. If one does not believe in the First Amendment; how can he or she take an oath to defend it?
Wow, that’s a whole other can of worms there. Interesting. What about the neocons that don’t believe in the writ of habeas corpus or right to freedom from search without warrant, or the liberals against freedom to carry firearms? This might have to be another blog post. [or maybe not, I already anger enough people as it is]
Eddie – those scriptures that you are referring to are taken out of context. Take anything out of context in Deutronomy (7:1-2, 20:10-17) and you will find the same sort of thing. Even Luke 19:26-27 sounds a bit like the Qur'an scripture that you are referring to (I'm assuming 2:191 and/or 4:89).
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