Another Big Big Thread of Religious Discussion

[Mannix]

Originally Posted by Lady Cygnet

Not every country has laws protecting free speech, Mannix.

my point exactly

Originally Posted by Tydeus

Mannix -- the pertinent law in India makes it a crime to maliciously insult any religion); these countries are often powderkegs of ethnic and religious differences, and the governments are doing their best to keep people from blowing each other up, even at the expense of a little free speech.

Now, in principle, I disagree with it, because culture and/or religion are personal choices, and therby free game for all manner of ridicule. But, fact is, a lot of the time, these laws can have practical purposes. Like keeping conflict between Muslims and Hindus in India as non-violent as possible.

Plus, it can be a great way to control the masses. Hail Caesar!

my bad, i went back and read it again, you're right. actually, now that i think about it, that's why slayer's last album was banned in india as well.

those kinds of laws have done jack to stop people from blowing up other people. that's why there's still all kinds of ethnic/religious tension on the pakistan/india border. i agree with jefferson though, you can't limit free speech without losing it. franklin, too, when he said that any society that would give up a little freedom to gain a little security deserves neither, and will lose both.