Josephus,

I have made my views in this discussion quite clear.
Perhaps you need to re-read them in order to understand
what I am saying. You seem to be more interested in
quickly replying - then in understanding - so perhaps
continuing this conversation with you is really pointless.

Foxy can you answer, Is it wrong [a moral act] to critique another's religion? According to you; No if they are humane and yes if they are a terrorist. So you are not evaluating the written tenants of the religion just the behaviors of extremists. So the question should read: is it wrong to critique the behaviors and beliefs of terrorists.

It is wrong to mock religious beliefs as mocking is insulting and often hurtful whereas criticism, if done politely can be tolerated by those who are not extremists.

Mockery can lead to retaliation completely out of touch with ordinary values, witness Charlie Hebdo in France.

Josephus,

I've already stated my views on this discussion.
A distinction should be made between hate
speech which amounts to an attack on a
religious group that is sufficiently hateful or
extreme and may incite violence and a critique
on the group's beliefs which should be permitted
under freedom of expression.

A person's religious beliefs should not exist in an
impenetrable and inviolable bubble where they are
protected from criticism or scrutiny. Beliefs can
be irrational, unfounded and dangerous.

That's why we have hate speech laws. They protect against
calls for violence against groups or individuals.
("Lets kill Jews, they are the enemies of God")
On the other hand, to crticize religious beliefs should
never be construed as illegal hate speech unless we give
up our most fundamental human rights such as freedom
of conscience (which includes freedom from religion)
and freedom of speech.

People have every right to practice their religious convictions
as long as they don't harm anyone. and the rest of us have every
right to criticize these beliefs.

There's no such thing as freedom from religious offense.
If you live in the West, you should not accept that your
religious views are sacrosanct to those who do not share
your faith.

What I was objecting to were sweeping generalizations
about Muslims that tarred all Muslims with the same brush.
They don't all practice their religion in exactly the same
way. And the radical views belong to extremists -and
fundamentalists - who exist in all religions.

cont'd ...

To try to prevent criticism of religion is virtually
impossible. Ironically it serves to unleash greater
intolerance and discrimination.

Foxy

But is it OK to mock someone’s religion?