The recent best selling thriller The Da Vinci Code, written by Dan Brown, has sold over 40 million copies worldwide and has created uproar in the churches.
From many christians point of view this is blasphemous. Many get quite angry and offended when the topic comes up. Yet, no rioting, no burning of bookstores, no calls for the death of Dan Brown. Is it possible that christians living in the modern world have made the conscious decision to be civilized, even when greatly offended?
Interesting thread!
Speaking as a Christian in the UK, my view would be that we have to live our faith in a secular world.
There is a strong emphasis on freedom of speech, which mean people can say things, which may offend others, and those have to put up with it!
That's not necessarily a bad thing, because it means people have to listen to each other.
So, I have to listen to other people's point of view, but I can equally expect them to listen to me! (A bit like this forum, really!)
Not so long ago the British Parliament tried to push through the Religious Hatred Bill, which was supposed to curb how people could criticise/ ridicule other religions.
Funnily enough, many people, from different groups protested against it - because they all felt it important to be able to speak their own minds.
So outside the Houses of Parliament gathered this rather bizarre gathering of religious groups, atheists and comedians (One of the few occasions when all those shared one common view, I am sure!) :giggling:
On a personal level, sometimes I see or hear things I find highly offensive and blasphemous!
If I can, I talk to people and make my point quietly. I have also participated in peaceful protests. Often I 'just' pray.
I guess Jesus never taught us to burn flags and torch book shops.
