Guilty Expression :: Rants and raves inspired by a passionate, frustrated love for God.

Re: The Religious Hatred Bill Question (Score: 1)
by Midge (-) on Mar 23, 2006 - 05:16 PM

Probably like a lot of people, I'm not sure what the point of the Bill is and why we need it when we've already got other laws. And like other people said, the fact that evangelical Christians are petitioning against it makes me feel wary about joining them, whereas for me, Rowan Atkinson lends more credibility to the protests.

Christian protests in general are a tricky question. I remember years ago, some Muslims criticised the depiction of Jesus in Spitting Image, and someone said it's a shame we have to rely on the Muslims to protest, that the Christians hadn't done so. But I feel like it's a waste of time in our culture - protesting against Spitting Image or Jerry Springer The Opera doesn't bring more honour to Jesus' name, it just makes Christians look silly. 'Christian Voice' would argue that it's our duty and right to protest, and to be taken as seriously as Muslims and Hindus. But I just don't think that works in our society.

Ideally I think we should follow the advice in 1 Peter: "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us" and Jesus' advice: "Let your light shine before other people, so they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." In other words, our effort should be to make Jesus and Christianity look good by positive means, not negative ones - attracting respect and admiration rather than fighting against accusations and slander.