Religious Satire
Religious Satire: Laughter Silenced
The world enjoys laughter; they say it is the best medicine. In every part of the world there are comics, jokes, and satire. Most of them are all in good fun, but sometimes the jokes get taken too far. The recent uproar over a political cartoon in the Middle East has sparked a lot of interest with religious satire. Why does religion get attacked so frequently? How far is too far? When are the jokes no longer funny, but hurtful? Whenever someone's religion and morals are attacked, it is no longer funny. Religion is a serious topic than many people have in their lives all around the world. The beliefs of religious people (Christians in particular) are not a joking matter, and the satire is no longer funny. Religious satire has become a topic that damages the Christian faith, is morally wrong, and an outward way to be malicious.
"Christianity is more than an event, an experience, or a set of beliefs." (Gushee P10) Christianity is meant to be something that people can put their heart and soul into, and a force to fall back upon. It is strong and powerful belief that has become a center for many and where they derive their strength from. There are a lot of people who need Christianity in their lives, and religious satire is slowly ruining that. The media poking fun of Christianity is unnecessary and damaging. The biggest example of this is the fairly recent movie Dogma, which has been called, " a satire which aims directly at the flaws and pretensions of organized religion." (Henderson P1) This movie was made with the intent to scrutinize Christianity and the things that Christians hold deep in their hearts. It portrays the Christian faith as a fake and useless religion. It plays on fears, hopes, and the belief system set up by Christians. Dogma, " mocks everything we hold sacred- God, the church, the Mass, and Mary's virginity." (Henderson P4) This is going too far with the satire. It is purposely searching for
The world enjoys laughter; they say it is the best medicine. In every part of the world there are comics, jokes, and satire. Most of them are all in good fun, but sometimes the jokes get taken too far. The recent uproar over a political cartoon in the Middle East has sparked a lot of interest with religious satire. Why does religion get attacked so frequently? How far is too far? When are the jokes no longer funny, but hurtful? Whenever someone's religion and morals are attacked, it is no longer funny. Religion is a serious topic than many people have in their lives all around the world. The beliefs of religious people (Christians in particular) are not a joking matter, and the satire is no longer funny. Religious satire has become a topic that damages the Christian faith, is morally wrong, and an outward way to be malicious.
"Christianity is more than an event, an experience, or a set of beliefs." (Gushee P10) Christianity is meant to be something that people can put their heart and soul into, and a force to fall back upon. It is strong and powerful belief that has become a center for many and where they derive their strength from. There are a lot of people who need Christianity in their lives, and religious satire is slowly ruining that. The media poking fun of Christianity is unnecessary and damaging. The biggest example of this is the fairly recent movie Dogma, which has been called, " a satire which aims directly at the flaws and pretensions of organized religion." (Henderson P1) This movie was made with the intent to scrutinize Christianity and the things that Christians hold deep in their hearts. It portrays the Christian faith as a fake and useless religion. It plays on fears, hopes, and the belief system set up by Christians. Dogma, " mocks everything we hold sacred- God, the church, the Mass, and Mary's virginity." (Henderson P4) This is going too far with the satire. It is purposely searching for