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blasphemy

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Dictionary: blas·phe·my   (blăs'fə-mē) pronunciation
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n., pl., -mies.
    1. A contemptuous or profane act, utterance, or writing concerning God or a sacred entity.
    2. The act of claiming for oneself the attributes and rights of God.
  2. An irreverent or impious act, attitude, or utterance in regard to something considered inviolable or sacrosanct.

[Middle English blasfemie, from Late Latin blasphēmia, from Greek blasphēmiā, from blasphēmein, to blaspheme. See blaspheme.]


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Wordsmith Words: blasphemy
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(BLAS-fuh-mee)

noun
1. A contemptuous or profane act, utterance, or writing concerning God or a sacred entity. The act of claiming for oneself the attributes and rights of God.
2. An irreverent or impious act, attitude, or utterance in regard to something considered inviolable or sacrosanct.

Etymology
Middle English blasfemie, from Late Latin blasphemia, from Greek, from blasphemein, to blaspheme.

Usage
"The whole idea of such a coexistence, the creation of this mutant racino gene, is blasphemy to the purists in the sport." — William Nack, A House Divided Gravely Threatened by Casino Gambling, Horse Racing Can't Decide Whether to Run With its Rival or Stay on a Different Track, Sports Illustrated, 10 Jul 1995, pp. 52+.

Thesaurus: blasphemy
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noun

  1. An act of disrespect or impiety toward something regarded as sacred: desecration, profanation, sacrilege, violation. See sacred/profane.
  2. A profane or obscene term: curse, epithet, expletive, oath, swearword. Informal cuss. See decent/indecent, sacred/profane, words.

Antonyms: blasphemy
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n

Definition: irreverence
Antonyms: godliness, piety, religion, religiousness, reverence

Encyclopedia of Judaism: Blasphemy
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(Heb. gidduf, ḥeruf). Any utterance showing contempt for God or profaning the Divine Name. The Third Commandment (Ex. 20:7; Deut. 5:11) explicitly forbids "taking the Lord's Name in vain" and biblical law, which made it an offense to "revile God" (Ex. 22:27), inflicted the penalty of death by stoning on one who had "cursed" and "blasphemed" in this way (Lev. 24:10-16, 23). Coupled with the prohibition of blasphemy was the admonition not to curse a legitimate ruler of Israel (Ex. 22:27). The rabbis made the prohibition of blasphemy incumbent on all mankind as one of the Noachide Laws. By Mishnaic times, only a flagrant profanation of the Tetragrammaton---God's "ineffable Name"---incurred the death penalty (San. 7:5). A person guilty of a profane utterance involving any other Divine Name was sentenced to flogging (San. 56a). The rule demanding two witnesses of the crime often rendered proof of the offense difficult. Consideration was also shown for the repentant blasphemer. As biblical sources already indicate (II Kings 18:37-19:2; Isa. 36:22-37:2), the solemn Rending of Garments became a practice observed by anyone who heard God's Name desecrated in public (San. 60a). With the decline of Jewish legal autonomy, the original punishment for blasphemy was commuted to ḥerem (Excommunication). See also Blessing and Cursing; ḥillul Ha-Shem.
 
Columbia Encyclopedia: blasphemy
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blasphemy, in religion, words or actions that display irreverence toward or contempt for God or that which is held sacred. Blasphemy is regarded as an offense against the community to varying degrees, depending on the extent of the identification of a religion with the society at large or the government. Sedition, an attack on the sovereign, is thus analogous; both it and blasphemy can be seen as subversive of order and authority. Heresy, on the other hand, is a matter of competing claims for doctrinal correctness; the dominant (orthodox) faction, however, often defines the heretic as blasphemous.

Blasphemy has been a crime in many religions and cultures, wherever there is something sacred to protect. Socrates was prosecuted for blasphemy, and Mosaic law prescribed death for cursing the name of God. Jesus was tried for blasphemy, while Christians regarded the action of the Jews in trying him as itself blasphemous.

Secular modern states often retain blasphemy laws, but they are infrequently enforced. In the United States, state blasphemy laws remain on the books, but the Supreme Court's expansive interpretation of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution makes it likely that any blasphemy prosecution would now be regarded as an impermissible establishment of religion. In countries governed under Islamic law, the concept of blasphemy is broad, embracing many kinds of disrespect or denial of religion; the condemnation (1988) of the author Salman Rushdie by Iranian clerics is a recent example of theocratic action.

Law Encyclopedia: Blasphemy
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This entry contains information applicable to United States law only.

The malicious or wanton reproach of God, either written or oral. In English law, the offense of speaking disparaging words about God, Jesus Christ, the Bible, or the Book of Common Prayer with the intent to undermine religious beliefs and promote contempt and hatred for the church as well as general immorality. In U.S. law, any maliciously intended written or oral accusation made against God or religion with the purpose of dishonoring the divine majesty and alienating mankind from the love and reverence of God.

Blasphemy is a common-law offense and also an offense by statute in certain jurisdictions. It must be uttered in the presence of another person or persons or published in order to be an offense. Mere use of profanity is not considered blasphemy.

Blasphemy statutes are rarely, if ever, enforced today.

Word Tutor: blasphemy
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pronunciation

IN BRIEF: A great disrespect shown towards sacred things.

pronunciation There is only one blasphemy, and that is the refusal to experience joy. — Paul Rudnick

Quotes About: Blasphemy
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Quotes:

"I don't think it is given to any of us to be impertinent to great religions with impunity." - John Le Carre

"I am very sorry to know and hear how unreverently that most precious jewel, the Word of God, is disputed, rhymed, sung and jangled in every ale-house and tavern, contrary to the true meaning and doctrine of the same." - Edward VIII

"We cannot assume the injustice of any actions which only create offense, and especially as regards religion and morals. He who utters or does anything to wound the conscience and moral sense of others, may indeed act immorally; but, so long as he is not guilty of being importunate, he violates no right." - Karl Wilhelm Von Humboldt

"There is only one blasphemy, and that is the refusal to experience joy." - Paul Rudnick

"Your blasphemy, Salman, can't be forgiven. To set your words against the Words of God." - Salman Rushdie

"Where there is no belief, there is no blasphemy." - Salman Rushdie

See more famous quotes about Blasphemy

Wikipedia: Blasphemy
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Contents
For other uses, see Blasphemy (disambiguation).

Blasphemy is irreverence[1] toward holy personages, religious artifacts, customs, and beliefs. The Abrahamic religions condemn blasphemy vehemently. Some countries have laws to punish blasphemy.[2] Some countries have laws to give redress to those who are offended by blasphemy. Those laws may discourage blasphemy as a matter of blasphemous libel,[3] vilification of religion,[4][5] religious insult,[6] or hate speech.[7] The idea of blasphemy makes the word amenable to colloquial usage.

History

The word "blasphemy" came via Middle English blasfemen and Old French blasfemer and Late Latin blasphemare from Greek βλασφημέω, from βλάπτω = "I injure" and φήμη = "reputation". From blasphemare also came Old French blasmer, from which English "blame" came.

Blasphemy laws

Main article: Blasphemy law
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Countries use blasphemy laws to victimize non-members of, and dissident members of, the ruling sect or cult. Countries with a state religion are the most punitive users of blasphemy laws.[8] [9][10] [11][12][13][14][15]

Blasphemy in Judaism

In the third book of the Torah, Leviticus 24:16 states that those who speak blasphemy "shall surely be put to death", see also List of capital crimes in the Torah.

Blasphemy in Christianity

The satirical Alexamenos graffito is believed to be the earliest known representation of Jesus.

Christian theology condemns blasphemy. One verse from the Bible that directly concerns the sin reads as follows:

“ Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (Exodus 20:7 KJV) ”

In addition, it is spoken of in the Luke 12:10, where blaspheming the Holy Spirit is spoken of as unforgivable - the eternal sin. However, there is dispute over what form this blasphemy may take and whether it qualifies as blasphemy in the conventional sense.

Blasphemy has been condemned as a serious, or even the most serious, sin by the major creeds and Church theologians.

  • Thomas Aquinas says that “it is clear that blasphemy, which is a sin committed directly against God, is more grave than murder, which is a sin against one's neighbor. … it is called the most grievous sin, for as much as it makes every sin more grievous.”[16]
  • The Book of Concord calls blasphemy “the greatest sin that can be outwardly committed”.[17]
  • The Baptist Confession of Faith says: “Therefore, to swear vainly or rashly by the glorious and awesome name of God…is sinful, and to be regarded with disgust and detestation. …For by rash, false, and vain oaths, the Lord is provoked and because of them this land mourns.”[18]
  • The Heidelberg Catechism answers question 100 about blasphemy by stating that “no sin is greater or provokes God's wrath more than the blaspheming of His Name”.[19]
  • The Westminster Larger Catechism explains that “The sins forbidden in the third commandment are, the abuse of it in an ignorant, vain, irreverent, profane...mentioning...by blasphemy...to profane jests, ...vain janglings, ...to charms or sinful lusts and practices.”[20]
  • Calvin found it intolerable “when a person is accused of blasphemy, to lay the blame on the ebullition of passion, as if God were to endure the penalty whenever we are provoked.”[21]

The Catholic Encyclopedia has a more extensive article on blasphemy.

Catholic prayers and reparations for blasphemy

In the Catholic Church, there are specific prayers and devotions as Acts of Reparation for blasphemy.[22] For instance, The Golden Arrow Holy Face Devotion (Prayer) first introduced by Sister Marie of St Peter in 1844 is recited "in a spirit of reparation for blasphemy". This devotion (started by Sister Marie and then promoted by the Venerable Leo Dupont) was approved by Pope Leo XIII in 1885.[23] The Raccolta Catholic prayer book includes a number of such prayers.[24]

The Holy See has specific "Pontifical organizations" for the purpose of the reparation of blasphemy through Acts of Reparation to Jesus Christ, e.g. the Pontifical Congregation of the Benedictine Sisters of the Reparation of the Holy Face.[25]

Writer Salman Rushdie was accused of blasphemy and subject of a fatwā issued by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Supreme Leader of Iran, in February 1989.

Blasphemy in Islam

Main article: Islam and blasphemy

Blasphemy in Islam is irreverent behavior toward holy personages, religious artifacts, customs, and beliefs that Muslims respect. The penalties for such behavior vary by jurisdiction, and can include fines, imprisonment, flogging, amputation, crucifixion, hanging, or beheading.[26][27]

Blasphemy and the United Nations

Main article: Blasphemy and the United Nations

In the early 21st century, blasphemy became an issue for the United Nations. The General Assembly passed several resolutions which called upon the world to take action against the "defamation of religions."[28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35]

Colloquial usage

Blasphemy has been used to mean irreverence in a non-religious context. Sir Francis Bacon uses blasphemy in this way in Advancement of Learning, where he speaks of "blasphemy against teaching". Blasphemy may be used as a substitute for profanity or cursing as it is used in this sentence: "With much hammering and blasphemy, the locomotive's replacement spring was finally fitted."

In contemporary language, the notion of blasphemy is often used ironically, as a form of hyperbole. As an example, one might express that doubting Wikipedia as a good source of information is blasphemous. This usage has garnered some interest among linguists recently, and the word 'blasphemy' is a common case used for illustrative purposes.[36][37]

See also

Search Wikimedia Commons Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Blasphemy

References

  1. ^ http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/blasphemy
  2. ^ See Blasphemy law.
  3. ^ Kerr, ine (9 July 2009). "Libel and blasphemy bill passed by the Dail". Independent.ie. http://www.independent.ie/national-news/libel-and-blasphemy-bill-passed-by-the-dail-1813479.html. Retrieved 17 November 2009. 
  4. ^ http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/qld/consol_act/aa1991204/s124a.html
  5. ^ http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?document_id=23370
  6. ^ European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission), Report on the relationship between freedom of expression and freedom of religion: the issue of regulation and prosecution of blasphemy, religious insult and incitement to religious hatred, 17-18 October 2008, Doc. No. CDL-AD(2008)026
  7. ^ See Blasphemy law and Hate speech.
  8. ^ http://www.religiouswatch.com/rwworld.htm
  9. ^ http://www.christianpost.com/article/20091113/100-groups-oppose-u-n-defamation-of-religions-proposals/index.html
  10. ^ http://www.iheu.org/united-nations-will-violate-human-rights-says-new-report-religious-freedoms
  11. ^ "Muslim scholar says Scrap blasphemy laws which bring shame on Islam and Pakistan". Herald Malaysia Online. 11 August 2009. http://www.heraldmalaysia.com/news/storydetails.php/Muslim-scholar-says-Scrap-blasphemy-laws-which-bring-shame-on-Islam-and-Pakistan/2058-1-1. Retrieved 3 September 2009. 
  12. ^ http://www.uscirf.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1414&Itemid=1 Annual Report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom May 2009 (Pakistan, etc.).
  13. ^ http://www.unhchr.ch/Huridocda/Huridoca.nsf/TestFrame/af783bb51170854380256739004faac4?Opendocument A call upon states to work toward abolishing the juvenile death penalty
  14. ^ http://report2009.amnesty.org/en/regions/asia-pacific/indonesia
  15. ^ http://www.christianpost.com/article/20091113/100-groups-oppose-u-n-defamation-of-religions-proposals/index.html
  16. ^ Thomas Aquinas: Summa Theologica 2:2, q. 13.
  17. ^ The Book of Concord The Large Catechism, §55.
  18. ^ The Baptist Confession of Faith Ch. 23, §2-3.
  19. ^ The Heidelberg Cathechism Q. 100.
  20. ^ Westminster Larger Cathechism Q. 113.
  21. ^ Jean Calvin: Harmony of the Law vol. 4. Lev. 24:10.
  22. ^ Act of Reparation for Blasphemies Uttered Against the Holy Name, Righting Wrongs Through Prayer By Scott P. Richert, About.com
  23. ^ * Dorothy Scallan. The Holy Man of Tours. (1990) ISBN 0895553902
  24. ^ Joseph P. Christopher et al., 2003 The Raccolta, St Athanasius Press ISBN 978-0970652669
  25. ^ Letter for 50th anniversary of the Benedictine Sisters of Reparation of the Holy Face, 2000 Vatican archives
  26. ^ See the articles about Islamic jurisdictions under Blasphemy law.
  27. ^ http://www.islamicvoice.com/April2006/QuestionHour-DrZakirNaik/
  28. ^ http://daccess-ods.un.org/access.nsf/Get?Open&DS=A/RES/60/150&Lang=E A/RES/60/150
  29. ^ http://daccess-ods.un.org/access.nsf/Get?Open&DS=A/60/PV.64&Lang=E Vote on 16 December 2005 (A/60/PV.64)
  30. ^ http://daccess-ods.un.org/access.nsf/Get?Open&DS=A/RES/61/164&Lang=E A/RES/61/164
  31. ^ http://daccess-ods.un.org/access.nsf/Get?Open&DS=A/61/PV.81&Lang=E Vote on 19 December 2006
  32. ^ http://daccess-ods.un.org/access.nsf/Get?Open&DS=A/RES/62/154&Lang=E A/RES/62/154
  33. ^ http://daccess-ods.un.org/access.nsf/Get?Open&DS=A/62/PV.76&Lang=E Vote on 18 December 2007
  34. ^ http://daccess-ods.un.org/access.nsf/Get?Open&DS=A/RES/63/171&Lang=E A/RES/63/171
  35. ^ http://daccess-ods.un.org/access.nsf/Get?Open&DS=A/63/PV.70&Lang=E Vote on 18 December 2008
  36. ^ Recanati 1995; Carston 1997, 1999, 2000; Sperber & Wilson 1998; Glucksberg 2001; Wilson & Sperber 2002.
  37. ^ "Relevance and Lexical Pragmatics" (DOC). UCL Dept of Phonetics and Linguistics. http://www.phon.ucl.ac.uk/home/deirdre/papers/Relevance%20Theory%20and%20Lexical%20Pragmatics.doc. Retrieved 2008-05-12. 

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Translations: Blasphemy
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Dansk (Danish)
n. - blasfemi, gudsbespottelse

Nederlands (Dutch)
blasfemie, godslastering, heiligschennis

Français (French)
n. - blasphème

Deutsch (German)
n. - Blasphemie, (Gottes)lästerung, Fluchen

Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - βλασφημία

Italiano (Italian)
bestemmia

Português (Portuguese)
n. - blasfêmia (f), irreverência (f)

Русский (Russian)
богохульство

Español (Spanish)
n. - blasfemia

Svenska (Swedish)
n. - hädelse, blasfemi

中文（简体）(Chinese (Simplified))
亵渎神明, 亵渎神明的言词

中文（繁體）(Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 褻瀆神明, 褻瀆神明的言詞

한국어 (Korean)
n. - 모독, 욕설

日本語 (Japanese)
n. - 冒涜, 不敬

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(الاسم) سب الدين, عدم احترام المقدسات‏

עברית (Hebrew)
n. - ‮חירוף, חילול השם‬

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Did you mean: blasphemy (in religion), Blasphemy (band), Blasphemy (novel), Blasphemy (Lyrics - Robbie Williams), Blasphemy (Lyrics), Blasphemy (2002 Album by Incantation) More...

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