What exactly is blasphemy?

[WhiteWings]

It may sound like a obvious question but I think the answer isn't that simple....
For example is following the wrong doctrine blasphemy?
Or a wrong religion?
Or sinning?
Or saying certain things about God (because you completly misunderstand things)?
For example in the short discussion on YouTube the blasphemy card is pulled quite often. And usally just because people disagree about translation/interpretation.

As an example and not to start a discussion on the subjects:
Some people find no free will blashemy because it means God can't control His creation.
Or Trinity because that means there are several Gods according to the way some look at it.
God created evil (some verses can be read that way)
God has a plan and bad things are part of it. Like for example giving permission to satan to tempt job. So God is evil.
Etc.
Etc.

What is the Biblically supported defenition of blasphemy?

[micah7:9]

I am not quite sure how to answer your queery? Havent you pretty much covered it?

[Lefein]

I'd define blasphemy as purposefully defaming the character, name, or being of God, for malevolent, degrading, and disrespectful reasons.

Irreverence, irreligiousness, sacrilegiousness towards God, and the things pertaining to God, or his character, name, or being.

An example of blasphemy would be a homosexual representation of Jesus, or showing Jesus engaging in disgusting acts like prostitution, or eating a baby.

[micah7:9]

ok

[WhiteWings]

I am not quite sure how to answer your queery? Havent you pretty much covered it?

I think not. I think I mentioned manmade defenitions. The perfect stick to hit anyone with that doesn't share "your" view.

[WhiteWings]

I'd define blasphemy as purposefully defaming the character,

Does that include believing/preaching God roast most of His creation forever? (ET)
I think that's extreme defaming of character. But is it blasphemy?
By your, and mine, definition no because ETs are honest believers too.

An example of blasphemy would be a homosexual representation of Jesus, or showing Jesus engaging in disgusting acts like prostitution, or eating a baby.

Shouldn't you add: "While knowing Jesus was not a baby eating homosexual."
BTW there are views homosexuality is not really wrong from a Bibical POV. Another view is that the Bible is only about white humans (that can blush). Not trying to start a debate on that but those are honest views.

My point is there are many views that are wrong. But very rarely they intend to commit blasphemy. Not even atheists drawing weird things about Jesus because they draw something they don't believe in.

What about people that claim they are God? Usually such people are classified as insane. So they act out of sickness not blasphemy.
Jesus was executed for blasphemy because He said He was the Son of God. He wasn't insane. But it was no blasphemy because it was true :winkgrin:

[Ross]

Hi;
Seems to me that the blasphemy is when you know who the Father is, who Christ is, why we are made and then you literally curse the Father.
If you really know the reasons why we are made and what life is all about, why would you then blaspheme the creator?

The charge against Christ was for blasphemy. That was because He was claiming equality with the Father by saying He is His Son. So that could be another possibility of blasphemy if someone tries to be equal with the Father by any other source than Christ.

[WhiteWings]

Hi Ross,

How many Christians are there that think they are equal to God?
Personally I thing very few. And those few have mental problems.
I think Father is not angered by it because that person is mentally ill.
And of those few perhaps some are not mentally ill but they believe they are really equal because they have build a doctrine on a single verse that seems to show we are gods.

I think Lefein got it right when he wrote: purposefully
But the way I look at it I can think of very few/no examples that are classified as "purposefully".
(Almost) all are because of:
- Not smart enough to understand. (including insanity)
- Doctrinal interpretation.
- Totally different religion.
- Not religious at all.
- Or somehow tricked into it.

Maybe I'm just overcomplicating things  :dontknow:

[Ross]

Hi Whitewings;
Purposely, deliberately knowing what you are doing- yep that seems to be about right.
That is what I was trying to say when I mentioned that the individual knows all the truth and then purposely slanders God.
The only real way to know the truth is if the Father and Christ are telling us. Jesus is the way the truth and the life. So to me it would be crazy to find out the truth and then reject that truth. So the logical blasphemy/slander is not likely to happen when you lknow the truth.
True Christians do not think they are equal with God so that is indeed not a likely option.
SO I don't think you are overcomplicating.

[WhiteWings]

Howdy Ross  :hithere:

That is what I was trying to say when I mentioned that the individual knows all the truth and then purposely slanders God.

Some people convert from Christianity to islam. At first sight that looks like the ultimate blasphemy. They knew about the true God and then start worshipping a pagan god.
But in reality they don't turn their back on God but they feel they were wrong all their life and trying to correct that mistake by worshipping their new "only true god".

The only real way to know the truth is if the Father and Christ are telling us.

But satan is a smart dude and can present you a new truth that looks even more true and make you believe the former truth was a misinterpretation.
Maybe we are just a bunch of dumb monkies that are not able find the truth even if we get it presented on a golden platter. Especially if satan and his horde have equally nice golden platters.....
The proof for that? Just make a list of the 20 greatest theologians of all time. They were smart, honest, god fearing, god seeking people. And yet they differ enough to start hundreds years of (civil) war. For example although I very much disagree with Calvin I'm sure he was a far better/learned Christian than me.
And then Joe Plumber is commiting blasphemy because if it doesn't involve pipe he simply doesn't understand?

So to summarize: I'm unable to find a practical application of Lefein's good theoretically good defenition....

[Lefein]

So to summarize: I'm unable to find a practical application of Lefein's good theoretically good defenition....

A simpler definition of Blasphemy came to me last night, that I'd like to share.

"The opposite of praise"  :thumbsup:

In application, just like worrying is a negative form of meditation (thinking about something over, and over), or just like how Fear is a negative sort of "Faith" employed by our Adversary - Blasphemy is the opposite of Praise, the negative reflection of it.

Through Praise, we purposefully appreciate, and eulogise God for positive means, from a positive heart.  Bless you Father!  How I love you!  Is praise, and done on purpose.

Blasphemy is where we purposefully depreciate, and degrade God for negative means, from a negative heart.  Someone saying; Curse you God, how I hate you!  Is blasphemy, and done on purpose.

At least, that's how I'd try to apply it anyway, anything that is purposefully said in an attempt to hurt God or his people out of malevolence, or malice, or unfortunately...ignorance.

For malevolence, and malice - Thank God for his remedial righteousness, which will lead men to repentance and Grace.

For ignorance - Thank God for his sufficient Grace, and his forgiveness.

[Lefein]

Does that include believing/preaching God roast most of His creation forever? (ET)
I think that's extreme defaming of character. But is it blasphemy?
By your, and mine, definition no because ETs are honest believers too.

God looks at the heart above all else.  Eternal Damnation I believe really is the epitome of blasphemy when it comes to God - Saviour of All.  But thankfully Grace is sufficient for them, as well as us.

Shouldn't you add: "While knowing Jesus was not a baby eating homosexual."

I should...lol, though I thought that was "a given".

BTW there are views homosexuality is not really wrong from a Bibical POV. Another view is that the Bible is only about white humans (that can blush). Not trying to start a debate on that but those are honest views.

I was just making a relatable point for most semi-majority orthodox Christians. :)

My point is there are many views that are wrong. But very rarely they intend to commit blasphemy. Not even atheists drawing weird things about Jesus because they draw something they don't believe in.

People often sin without knowing it, but like I said above, Grace is sufficient for them, as well as us.  People however who do draw Jesus doing weird things, usually are not doing it out of a beautiful heart, but out of malevolence against a group.  The blaspheming nature of their drawing, or action is usually compounded by the additional sin of being hateful towards God's children.  Their sin is usually something that hurts themselves.

Most fathers would say: "Do what you want to me, but don't you dare touch my children..."  Our Father is the same.  He probably would be more focused on dealing with the hateful heart of the blasphemer, than the blasphemy itself.  Blasphemy comes out of a hateful heart, because out of the abundance of the heart - the mouth speaks.  A heart that speaks blasphemy, and defames a group is at its root full of hate, or bitterness.

Most Atheists I know of, are "deconverted" Catholics, or children who were private schooled in Christian institutions that are rigid and strict.  In this group the Atheists who are full of rebellion, bitterness, and hatefulness towards anything resembling Christianity are usually so because of a false idea of the faith (usually the fault of the institution anyway) - as far as I can tell of the demographic I've dealt with anyway.

A lot of them simply haven't "grown up", and need to have a divine spanking.  :laughing7:

What about people that claim they are God? Usually such people are classified as insane. So they act out of sickness not blasphemy.
Jesus was executed for blasphemy because He said He was the Son of God. He wasn't insane. But it was no blasphemy because it was true :winkgrin:

Lol, we can hardly be held accountable for things that aren't our fault, being sick.  :thumbsup:  Praise God!