The term blasphemy refers to saying something about God that is disrespectful. It can also refer to the degradation of religious concepts or literature.
Blasphemy can be included in speech, an act, writing, music, or art. Explore examples of blasphemy found in everyday life:
Blasphemy in the Bible
When talking about blasphemy, it is a typically biblical term. It is not only found in the Old and New Testaments, but the word itself has its roots in religion.
To say that something is blasphemous means that the action or words are in some way, shape, or form against God or gods, depending on the religion.
An example of blasphemy is mentioned in various places within the Reina Valera Bible in Mark 7:22-23:
“Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”
Taking the Lord’s name in vain
Taking the Lord’s name in vain is considered blasphemy, according to the second commandment.
Resisting the Power of the Holy Spirit
Resisting the power of the Holy Spirit is mentioned in the Bible several times, including Matthew 12:31.
Doubting God’s good intentions
Affirming that God is unsympathetic, unjust, or cruel is blasphemy. This can be seen in various areas of the Bible, including Luke 12:10.
Blasphemy in Everyday Life
Blasphemy is all around us. It can be found not only in the Bible but also in everyday life. Explore different examples of blasphemy:
Copying the name or image of Jesus
Some consider the name of rapper Kanye West’s album “Yeezus” and its association with Jesus to be blasphemous.
Burning a religious document
Burning a religious document like the Bible or the Quran is considered blasphemy.
Damaging a church
Damaging a church is a form of blasphemy because it involves destroying a religious object. It is also considered sacrilege.
Worshipping the devil
Worshipping Satan is blasphemy. Worshiping Satan is the abandonment of God and is considered blasphemy.
Creating or representing blasphemous art
Some examples of creating or representing blasphemous art include:
Artist Andres Serrano created what he called an artwork by submerging a plastic replica of the crucified Jesus in a container of his own urine and photographing it as a means, according to him, of exposing the evils of religion. However, this 1987 work was considered highly blasphemous and was destroyed in 2011 during protests in France. The name of the work was “Piss Christ.”
In the popular TV series Sex and the City, an episode featured what some considered blasphemous artwork. The episode largely revolved around a painting of a woman crucified like Jesus. It was displayed in a New York gallery.
Inciting others against a religion
Pastor Terry Jones, the leader of a Florida church, was considered blasphemous toward Islam in 2010 due to his suggestion to celebrate a “Burn a Quran Day,” in the publication of a book titled “Islam is of the Devil,” and in spreading T-shirts and mugs with the same message.
Printing the image of Muhammad
The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, is often a source of blasphemy. His image, according to Islamic law, should not be printed.
However, many cartoonists and others worldwide have been considered blasphemous for doing so.
In 2006, Norwegian and Danish newspapers faced serious reactions and threats of retaliation from Islamic nations for publishing cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad.
While the act of printing the cartoons, in itself, would have been considered blasphemy, the cartoons also portrayed the Prophet in poses deemed “unfavorable,” particularly one where the Prophet was made to look like a terrorist.
Depicting a religious figure in a perverse manner
Animated TV shows have been accused of blasphemy for depicting religious figures in a perverse manner. For example:
- The Simpsons, an American animated show, has been accused of blasphemy for airing episodes in which the devil supposedly intimidated God, among other blasphemies.
- The American animated comedy Family Guy has also been criticized for airing blasphemous language. Known for its unconventional humor, Family Guy featured Jesus in a specific episode described in a perverted manner, causing a storm of protests.
- In 2010, the American animated comedy South Park also depicted images of the Prophet Muhammad in an episode portraying the prophet as a bear’s mascot. Angered by the perceived blasphemy, an Islamic website threatened the show’s producers for what they considered a great disrespect to the Prophet.
More examples of blasphemy
Other examples of blasphemy appearing in the news include:
- In 2019, a Hindu director in Pakistan was arrested for committing blasphemy against the prophet during his lecture, inciting a riot. Pakistan has laws against blasphemy.
- In 2020, a schoolgirl received death threats after creating a blasphemous post on social media. The French government ruled that blasphemy is not a crime.
The word on blasphemy
Blasphemy is not just a biblical construct. It can be found worldwide and remains a problem today.
Some countries even have punishable laws against blasphemy. Now that you know a bit about blasphemy, you might want to look into examples of ethics and morality.