In Theory:

Oct. 7 was “Blasphemy Day,” a day devoted to protecting a person’s right to “ridicule, criticize — even lambaste God,” according to a CNN article Friday. Started by Ronald Lindsey (who in his youth studied for the priesthood), the purpose of the day is to encourage freedom of expression for everyone, even those who would outright talk ill of the Lord. Lindsey believes “a society is not truly free unless people can freely air their views on any subject — including God.” What do you think of this day? Is “Blasphemy Day” really a genuine effort to encourage freedom of expression? Or is this just another silly endeavor by a person looking to get his 15 minutes of fame by striking at the nerves of the general public?

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It’s difficult to fully know the motives behind men’s deeds, but it’s not so hard to discern the spirit behind them: “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious” (Galatians 5:19). Maybe they only want to get a rise out of people of faith, or take a stab at “the establishment,” but their one greatest accomplishment is the exposure of their own depravity.

Even if corrupt people truly believe they’re doing good, or fighting for freedom, the scriptures warn that they are in fact trapped in “the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:26).

Tragically, that’s the one thing they’ll most vehemently deny. Insisting that they are free they continue to fight for their right to remain in spiritual slavery. Professing to be wise they have become utter fools, for the fool denies God’s existence and mocks worship of him. Lost in their own decadence they give hearty encouragement and approval to anyone who will join them.

Peter’s words on the day of Pentecost are especially relevant to our day: “Be saved from this perverse generation” (Acts 2:40). Call out to Jesus Christ for mercy and you will be saved.

Those who instead cry out words of blasphemy condemn themselves to separation from him and the freedom he alone can give.

PASTOR JON BARTA

Valley Baptist Church in Burbank

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“Blasphemy Day” — now I’ve heard everything.

The sad truth is, we live in sea of blasphemy. In fact, God has said, “All day long my name is constantly blasphemed.”

Blasphemy is everywhere. We hardly need a day to commemorate it. But here is yet another example of a former Roman Catholic in his 50s working out his own childhood angst against the church while the rest of us have to read about it.