Pope Says we Shouldn’t Insult Others’ Faith

I know this new Pope is cool and all but he seems to be swayed by Bill Donahue and the Catholic league in regards to Charlie Hebdo.  This week he has suggested that freedom of expression should be limited when it is directed at religion.  He stopped short of blaming the victim, as Donahue did, so full credit for avoiding that rhetorical pitfall.

Now I understand there need to be certain limits to freedom of expression.  If your idea of freedom of expression is to get pictures of yourself peeing on local sports players in the middle of a game, that shouldn’t be allowed.

If, however, you want to make a cartoon criticizing religion or, as I do, regularly criticize religion in a blog, that freedom should absolutely be allowed and welcomed.

For instance, here is a drawing I made of Mohammed moving a mountain WITH HIS MIND!!!!

Religion is an institution.  Like politics. Nobody argues that we should stop making fun of politicians because we might offend someone who voted for them, do they?

Yet a religion should be afforded a special right?  We should limit those who would make fun of religion because…why?  God can’t take it?  Mohammed can’t take it?

Sorry, Francis.  Charlie Hebdo’s satire may not be your cup of tea but freedom of expression means they have as much right to do what they do as you have to criticize it.

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