[cdcdawg]

I don’t like the way the question was asked. If it were asked in the form of “Do you have the LEGAL right” I would be willing to bet that the answers would be a lot different. As it is, it doesn’t really tell us much, apart from the fact that Americans tend to want to mind their manners on the subject.

[Usagi_yo]

I’m not impressed. I wonder if they changed the word ‘blaspheme’ to satire or criticize would the results be the same?

After all, it’s only blaspheme if you are part of that religion right? Does the pollster even recognize the fact that an atheist by its intrinsic definition is blaspheme.

[Colehill1999]

As long as CNN continues to post this:

http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/01/world/gallery/controversial-art/index.html

but not a cartoon about muhammed, then i guess we have no “rights” at all.

[GeronL]

does Donohue really think we would have “social harmony” if nobody made fun of religion??

[Vigilanteman]

It really depends on how you define "blaspheme".

I can disagree with certain aspects of Catholic* doctrine and still maintain warm friendships with Catholics, even if I make those disagreements vocal. They will simply shrug it off because I do not understand it fully or we can civilly agree to disagree.

Do those same things with a Muslim, however, and you've blasphemed their religion and quite possibly put your life in peril.

* And, yes, you can substitute almost any brand of religion for "Catholic" in this statement and get the same result. All except one.

[Reno89519]

“Do Americans have the right to blaspheme?

Almost seems like a stupid question, but I guess many people are rather ignorant of their first amendment rights. Of course we have a right to blaspheme any topic, religious or otherwise. But, always a but, we also have a responsibility and should be accountable to our actions. If you are not willing to put your real name on your comments, maybe you shouldn't be saying it in the first case. Further, if you say something actionable, libelous, etc., then you should be prepared to be accountable for your actions. Aside from that, in my opinion, blaspheme away.

[knarf]

Most Americans have more class and respect for each other's beliefs for them to denigrate another's religion

The infiltrating, warring, 6th century animals on the other hand do nothing BUT castigate anyone other than themselves ..... and then go and kill their own when their own aren't identical to the animals

And if we can eradicate the Guinea worm ... we can eradicate the sand slug

[Opinionated Blowhard]

I don’t understand why this is so surprising. If you believe in God, you sure as Hell better not blaspheme Him. The question probably was poorly worded because as a factual matter, you do have a legal right to insult religion.

[a fool in paradise]

Where were these people when Bush was re-elected in 2004 and liberals were circulating this graphic online?

The NY Times called it a "classic".

[dfwgator]

[Above My Pay Grade]

Two thoughts:

Probably 75% of Americans commit blasphemy on a regular basis by taking the Lords name in vain.

If you believe in Religious Freedom you must also believe in the right to blaspheme religion. In some manner or another, practically EVERY religion contains blasphemy against all others.

[lee martell]

The average American of today doesn’t even know what “To Blaspheme” really means, mainly because they have grown up unchurched, unexposed to that formal vocabulary of spiritual matters. Then the second third will quickly brand any expressed disagreement with THAT religion as “Blasphemous”, in a small brained, No Tolerance way; one besmirchment fits all occasions. The last third of people thinks the public expression of any religious matter
to be ‘Blasphemous”.

[Uncle Miltie]

mohammed was a child rapist.

I’ll retain my First Amendment Rights in the face of a hail of bullets if necessary.

But first, I’d prefer to take out a whole bunch of jihadis....

[amihow]

The question is do you have the power to blapheme? In a free society we do. Do you have the right is up for grabs and dependent on circumstances. If a religion is really a religion respect for it would proably be in order. If a religion is a cover for immoral and violent behaviors it should be condemned even if its adherants cry blasphemy. Perhaps there is even a duty to do so.

We need to start making fine distinctions and act prudently and courageously. Right power duty prudence courage respect.

[hecticskeptic]

Stupid question…If it’s man that says what constitutes or doesn’t constitute blasphemy, than it doesn’t matter whether he/she does or does not…..other than the angle that has to do with general politeness and whether or not someone is directed on the basis that someone could try to do harm to them. On the other hand, people should realize that God pays attention to blasphemy and in particular, one form of blasphemy gets special mention..…. Matthew 12:31-32 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Now here's a thought for you all. The moose limbs are bowing down to other gods... and that is a sin. There is only one true God. However, that being the case, why shouldn't Christians be publicly be calling moose limbs out on their sin? 1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

[all the best]

One can only blaspheme God. Not religion or false gods.