The Future of Blasphemy

This title presents a critical examination of the contemporary debates in Europe and the international community over 'incitement to religious hatred' and the 'defamation of religions'. Today, a new notion of blasphemy has arrived on the international political scene in the form of United Nations resolutions condemning the "defamation of religions" and national laws restricting religiously offensive speech. In the days of Moses, God defended His own honour. In the biblical worldview, blasphemy was the direct verbal abuse of the divine person, punishable by death. For the medievals, it was taken as a threat to civil order. Unlike the biblical and medieval discourse, however, this new debate turns on the feelings of the believers themselves. Meanwhile, artists and public figures face trial for "inciting religious hatred". What is the proper balance between freedom and equal respect for persons? When, if ever, is religious offense not only legally permissible but morally appropriate in a pluralistic democracy? "The Future of Blasphemy" goes beyond the headlines to critically examine the contemporary debates in the international community.It advances a balanced defence of freedom of expression that gives full consideration to the value of equality along with freedom of conscience and religion.