Kim, you write that the consequences of blasphemy is (are) serious stuff. What are you basing that on? In my 33 years living in a variety of cultures I have never noticed that christians seem to be 'luckier' or have a better life than blasphemous people (generally it is the contrary!).
Could you please inform me of some modern examples where blasphemy has been punished?
Anyone who cannot handle their beliefs being challenged in this world should just disappear and leave the development of the world in the hands of those who will question their own beliefs in the face of a challenge in order to objectively assess the benefits/disadvantages of new ideas. Only then will other cultures feel that dominant cultures have respect for their beliefs. Respect is about taking a step back and listening/understanding, not imposing your beliefs on people regardless.
MRI scans are showing these days that religious people's brains show activity in the same area as people who believe that aliens are talking to them - it is only because God is such an old concept that it is accepted, otherwise you would (should) all be put away in asylums.
Could you please inform me of some modern examples where blasphemy has been punished?
Anyone who cannot handle their beliefs being challenged in this world should just disappear and leave the development of the world in the hands of those who will question their own beliefs in the face of a challenge in order to objectively assess the benefits/disadvantages of new ideas. Only then will other cultures feel that dominant cultures have respect for their beliefs. Respect is about taking a step back and listening/understanding, not imposing your beliefs on people regardless.
MRI scans are showing these days that religious people's brains show activity in the same area as people who believe that aliens are talking to them - it is only because God is such an old concept that it is accepted, otherwise you would (should) all be put away in asylums.