When you think of the word Blasphemy images come to mind of disrespecting God, sacred things, or one’s personal religion. Blasphemy is considered the most serious sin by the major creeds and Church theologians.

The ways in which Blasphemy can be physically performed include use of profanity, sacrilege, wickedness, irreverence, violation, and desecration. Blasphemy laws go back to early Christianity and Judaism. The charge against Jesus was blasphemy, according to the Gospel of Mark 14:53-65.

Blasphemy In All Religions

Among the many religious beliefs that exist in the world today, the Islamics of Pakistan have the severest blasphemy laws. It is a country where insulting Islam, or the Prophet Mohammad, is part of the legal code, with penalties ranging from fines to death. Yet the personal “intent” of what was said is not taken into consideration.

The Blasphemy Act in Indonesia is used to protect the six recognized religions by punishing those who inspire conversion away from any of these religions.

In Mormonism you never hear of the undesirable or, at least, ambivalent practices because it is considered blasphemous to expose details of temple ceremonies.

Christian theology denounces blasphemy. It is spoken of in the Gospel of Mark 3:29, where blaspheming the Holy Spirit is spoken of as an inexcusable eternal sin.

In the Book of Concord it refers to blasphemy as “the greatest sin that can be outwardly committed”.

The Baptist Confession of Faith says: “Therefore, to swear vainly or rashly by the glorious and awesome name of God…is sinful, and to be regarded with disgust and detestation”.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has suggested that countries ratify laws that safeguard the freedom of expression.

Sikhism was originally pacifist and its rejection of the sovereignty and completion of Mohammad the prophet was taken as blasphemy and inspired much opposition from the historically warlike faith of Islam.

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