Okay, so after watching God, Inc. and Mr. Deity, the old Catholic guilt kicked in, along with my stand-up comedian's sense that comedy is often rooted in anger. So, I decided to check in with my tradition, more specifically the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Here's what it says about blasphemy:
"2148 Blasphemy is directly opposed to the second commandment. It consists in uttering against God - inwardly or outwardly - words of hatred, reproach, or defiance; in speaking ill of God; in failing in respect toward him in one's speech; in misusing God's name. St. James condemns those 'who blaspheme that honorable name [of Jesus] by which you are called.' The prohibition of blasphemy extends to language against Christ's Church, the saints, and sacred things. It is also blasphemous to make use of God's name to cover up criminal practices, to reduce peoples to servitude, to torture persons or put them to death. The misuse of God's name to commit a crime can provoke others to repudiate religion.
Blasphemy is contrary to the respect due God and his holy name. It is in itself a grave sin."
Aside from a swear here or there, I think these shows are off the hook on any blasphemy rap.
What this made me think of, immediately, was Osama bin Laden and much of the Middle Ages. (I'm still waiting to learn if there is a manifesto from scientists declaring totalitarian killing in the name of science, progress or freedom from religion to be a serious evil.)
Secondarily, but more importantly, it made me wonder about those of us who wonder about God's plan, and get a little peeved, in thought or word, about the whole thing. I have not found to date a lot of discussion about this issue, but I will be researching it more. Perhaps you have something to offer from your own tradition or experience.
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