International Blasphemy Day

Since:
🥂 2009

Question everything, including the things you’re told not to. 💬⚖️🍎📖

More Than Just a Rebellious Holiday

International Blasphemy Day, celebrated every year on September 30, is a holy day for heretics, skeptics and those who just want to question the unquestionable.
This isn’t just a day to ruffle some angelic feathers.
It’s all about celebrating our right to free speech and the freedom to hold our own opinions on matters of religion or non-religion.
Because, let’s face it, religion should be a choice, not a mandate.

Curiosity, Criticism or Crime?

Some people believe that blasphemy is always about hating religion, but that’s not the case.
Blasphemy can simply be a way of challenging beliefs or asking tough questions.
Those beliefs can be religious beliefs, but the definition of belief defines “belief” as an opinion or conviction.
Thus a belief can also be about liking a certain artist or holding any strong opinion at all.
A small example can be the belief that raisins do not ever belong in cookies.
Therefore any cookie with raisins is blasphemy when served to those who hate raisins in cookies.

A Subjective Sin

Blasphemy is often in the eye of the beholder, which makes it extremely subjective.
In general, it’s any act or statement that insults or disrespects a deity, a sacred object or even just any opinion that a group of people cherish deeply.
But the line between harmless humor and offensive blasphemy can be pretty blurry.
In many parts of the world, speaking your mind about religion can land you in hot water or worse, the hottest water when questioning those beliefs is considered disrespectful or insulting.
It’s like poking a bear with a stick, but the bear’s got a lot of followers.

Thou Shalt Not Be Silenced

Here’s where things get dark—blasphemy laws are still enforced in many parts of the world and not in the way you’d expect in a civilized, 21st-century society.
In some countries, blasphemy is a capital crime, punishable by imprisonment, fines or even death.
When a person’s words or beliefs are met with such harsh penalties, we enter the moral event horizon of human rights violations.
The United Nations and human rights groups have long argued that these laws violate freedom of expression, one of the cornerstones of personal liberty.
When you punish someone for their thoughts or speech about religion, it’s not just about protecting beliefs but about controlling people.
And that’s where blasphemy laws cross the line into oppression.

The Genesis of International Blasphemy Day

International Blasphemy Day was created in 2009 by the Center for Inquiry (CFI), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting critical thinking and scientific inquiry.
The goal was to encourage people to speak openly about religion without fear of persecution.
The date of September 30 marks the anniversary of the publication of the controversial Danish cartoons of Prophet Muhammad in 2005, which sparked global debates on freedom of speech and… also the unfortunate mix of pens and pitchforks.

The point isn’t to disrespect anyone’s beliefs but to remind us that questioning dogmas and doctrines is not just a right but a necessity for a progressive society.
It’s a day to remind us that questioning religious beliefs should not be punishable by law and certainly not by death.
After all, if we can’t question the divine, how can we ever hope to understand it?

How to Celebrate Without Starting a Holy War

Want to join the rebellion?
There may not be a pre-written list of commandments, but here are some ideas:

Spread the word:
Share information about Blasphemy Day with your friends and family. Let’s make it a global movement.
Question everything:
Challenge religious beliefs and practices. Ask tough questions, even if it makes people uncomfortable.
Celebrate diversity:
Embrace the beauty of different beliefs and worldviews.
Attend a Blasphemy Day Event:
Look for local events or rallies celebrating Blasphemy Day. These events can range from lectures and workshops to street performances and art exhibitions. They’re a great way to meet like-minded people and learn more about the issues surrounding blasphemy and free speech.
Write a letter to your elected officials:
Express your support for freedom of expression and religious tolerance. Let your voice be heard.
Open Dialogue:
Host a discussion group where everyone can share their views on religion and free speech. Encourage participants to listen actively and respond thoughtfully. Bonus points if you manage to keep the debate both lively and civil. Think of it as a holy grail of intelligent discourse!
Create Art:
Write a poem, draw a picture or create a piece of music that challenges religious beliefs or promotes freedom of expression. You can share your creations online or with your friends and family.
Divine Comedy Night:
Host a comedy night where participants share jokes and funny stories about mythology and religion. Remember, the goal is to laugh together, not at each other
Book Club:
Read and discuss books that explore themes of religion, atheism and free speech. Some great picks include “The God Delusion” by Richard Dawkins and “God Is Not Great” by Christopher Hitchens.

Hashtag Your Heresy

Want to celebrate Blasphemy Day from the safe and cozy comfort of your couch?
Share informative posts about the history and significance of Blasphemy Day.
Post photos and videos of your celebrations, whether it’s a debate, art project or toga party.
You can also join online discussions and debates about freedom of expression and religious tolerance.
Don’t forget to use the hashtags #InternationalBlasphemyDay, #BlasphemyDay, #InternationalBlasphemyRightsDay and #BlasphemyRightsDay.

You can also keep it even further on the downlow by simply supporting organizations that promote free speech and religious tolerance.

Stay Safe, Respectful and Mindful

Celebrating International Blasphemy Day doesn’t mean going out of your way to offend others.
It’s all about promoting free speech and healthy discourse without trampling on others’ right to believe what they want (or not).
The key is to use your freedom of expression responsibly and respectfully.
After all, this is a day for intellectual fireworks, not literal torches and pitchforks.
Keep that in mind and you’ll be able to celebrate like a pro!

And remember, if anyone wonders why you’re walking around in a toga questioning absolutely everything, tell them that Wild Calendar gave you permission and they’re welcome to join the fun.

Go Forth and Question!

In a world where people are often told what to think, International Blasphemy Day is a refreshing breath of unholy air.
Because even the gods need a little constructive criticism now and then.
Now, go forth and may your questions be as sharp as your wit!

Happy International Blasphemy Day!

“Blasphemy: a law to protect an all-powerful, supernatural deity from getting its feelings hurt.” ~ Ricky Gervais

#InternationalBlasphemyDay #BlasphemyDay #InternationalBlasphemyRightsDay #BlasphemyRightsDay