Comic defends ‘blasphemous’ show (From Bicester Advertiser)

I am a churchgoer and I support Mr Herring's right to freedom of speech. I have been to several of his shows and whilst I don't agree with everything he says, he does at least say it in a funny and thought-provoking way. We should just thank God (or insert atheist alternative here) that we live in a culture where we can still do this.

Anyone who is still annoyed should take comfort in the fact that Mr Herring is only preaching against Christianity in one place, but in every town and village across the country every week, people are preaching for it instead. Vive la difference!

Much like Dr Stallard, I am yet to see Christ on a Bike and therefore cannot comment on it's content. Through reading Richard Herring's blog and listening to his podcasts, I have some idea of what the themes of the show are and, rather than mocking Christianity or any religion, it is more an examination of the comedian's own faith or lack there of. How this could possibly "belittle and mock the Christian faith" I have no idea.

It does much for the reputation this country to know that comedians are free to examine religion rather than be prevented from discussing such topics.


Herring published his full rebuttle to Dr Stallard's objections on his blog here:
http://www.richardhe
rring.com/warmingup/
warmingup.php?id=303
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I'm sorry, is this a review of the show in the middle ages?
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I would assume that Dr Dullard (comic gold) has not actually seen the show, but rather is going for a spot of self promotion, perhaps for his own show, Jonathan Edwards on a Bike...
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Waste

"Christians often seem cross"

Another quick jibe?

One has to question the strength of belief of someone so easily 'offended' by a comedian. Clearly they've not been paying much attention when at their madrassa day classes. Echoes of Brass Eye methinks.

PS An atheist can not, by definition, blaspheme. Discuss.

Alternatively, ask yourself, why don't atheists get upset at the regular blasphemy directed at their belief system by the followers of organised 'mass' theistic religions and similar cults?

Each to their own with their beliefs. Like previous comments, how can someone who does not believe, blaspheme? Surely by taking offence at what Mr Herring says is a lack of respect for Mr Herring's beliefs, which makes Dr Stallard no different.
"The reputation of this country". I'd love to know what our reputation is throughout the world...
“No self-respecting Muslim, Buddhist or any other faith would turn his bile to something so blasphemous." Correct. That's because they believe in their religion, otherwise they wouldn't be labelled as Muslim or Buddhist, but as atheists.
I do not believe in any religion and feel that far too much in the UK is set by Christianity. Pretty much every village has a church in it so it is forced upon us from an early age. I do appreciate the architecture of them though.

Would someone be offended if he made jokes about Father Christmas or the Easter Bunny? Just two other fictional characters that didn't get into the Bible...

I think God and JC, sitting at his right hand, are capable of looking after themselves and don't need self-opinionated human beings to do it for them. If the show is truly offensive then, should Richard Herring face the judgement day he doesn't believe in, there will be a lot of explaining to do. My defence, should I be in the same situation, is that God has given me free will and I did what I thought was right. I think severe punishment will be reserved for more serious transgressions in any event. If humour is God's creation, as by definition it must be in Dr Stallard's eyes, then I suspect the Lord Almighty will understand a humourous look at belief systems.

To all Christians who are offended by this I suggest you don't go.

"The show is about my atheism, but fascination with Christ having been brought up as a Christian. It is not overall derogatory to Jesus (in fact you might argue the opposite), but looking at why i am obsessed with Him and trying to work out if it is possible to discover the true historical Jesus. Presumably this preacher has not seen the show, so I don't see how he feels qualified to assert that it is belittling the Christian faith. Pretty much all of the Christians who have actually seen the show (including clergymen) have enjoyed it and found it an interesting discussion. I think Jesus said "Judge not lest ye be judged" rather than "Judge things you haven't seen". As an atheist I am obviously as opposed to every religion as I am to Christianity, and do mention other religions in the show, but it seems odd that Christians often seem cross about people having a go at them when they have chosen to embrace a religion which has turning the other cheek as its core basic tenet.

I think comedy is an excellent way to promote discussion about all manner of serious subjects and thus God and religion are just as fair game as anything else, but again I would ask how this person knows that I am mocking God if he hasn't seen the show. And in any case surely God, as all powerful supreme creator of the Universe can surely withstand a couple of gags from a confused atheist comedian. Personally I would say if there is a God He would have to have to have a sense of humour. The quote that he is alluding to in Galatians says that God will not be mocked and that we reap what we sow. So surely all that means is that if there is a God and He feels I have mocked Him then in return He will mock me.

If anyone who has actually seen the show would like to take issue with what is in it then I will happily discuss it with them, but it seems odd to be giving time to someone who is imagining what I say, and is being offended by the show that he has created within his own head. And is thus being offended by himself.

All the best

Richard Herring"


I thought posting his full reply to the journalist, rather than the sensationalist bits might be of use.