Mocking of Islam and Christianity

Many seemingly good people support some sort of prohibition toward the mocking of religions and/or its practitioners. On the surface, this sounds like a reasonable and polite way in which we can all "coexist" (We've all seen the bumper sticker.)

The problem with the limitation of "free speech" for the sake of civility is what happens in place of the free exchange of ideas. Rather than a debate, we get a monologue of "socially acceptable" speech whilst all others self-censor in order to fit in out of fear of retribution from an intolerant society for offending the protected status quo. This is an important part of free speech. Those that would censor use the phrase "speech has consequences." These consequences must not cross various boundaries. If a man is preaching the "word of god" on Sunday, he should not be fired on Monday for it. I think we can accept this principle.

Mocking religion is a moral imperative for an atheist. The more I am exposed and confronted with religious rhetoric and dogma, the more justified and necessary is my response. If my mocking of your religion offends you, hear me when I say your expression of your mythology and crazy ass lunacy offends me. When someone says "god bless you," I feel like saying "crazy ass nut job" to their face. I don't, because I really do want to be polite in some fashion.

If the christians, muslems, jews, or whom ever don't want their religion mocked, then don't bring it up. Don't try to create public policy in government based on it. Don't use religion to justify or explain anything. Just don't do it. We'll all be better off. If you say "god" to me, in any form, it offends me.

There is no justice in the religious seeking to eliminate the offense of mockery if they, themselves, continue to spout their rhetoric and dogma and push their social agenda. The solution to free speech is more speech. Religion must be countered with reason. The religious must understand that most of the human beings on the planet do not believe in any one religion and that a good percentage of the population does not believe in any form of mythology at all.