BLASPHEMY AND GRAINS OF SALT

From My Perspective - - -

There is a basic definition for Blasphemy. The meaning is: “any impious utterance of action concerning God or sacred things; and act of reviling or cursing God; assuming to oneself the rights or qualities of God…” If one does this, is it a trifling matter and one that should be accepted as a “grain of salt” comment? Is it to be glossed over as something that is said in jest and is insignificant? Should those who claim to be “Christian” be offended by Blasphemous words, inferences or statements of any sort?

A headline on the Clutch website states: “Jamie Foxx Calls President Obama ‘Our Lord and Savior’ — Critics Say It’s Inappropriate -  November 26, 2012.” The article sets a tone for tolerance for a comedic utterance. However, is it really a joking matter and something that can or should be sloughed off as being such? The article states: “Last night at an awards show (Soul-Train Awards on BET), Jamie Foxx referred to President Obama as ‘our Lord and Savior,’ saying: ‘First of all, giving honor to God and our Lord and Savior Barack Obama.’ His phrase, made in jest, is causing ire among conservatives who feel the comparison between Obama and Christ is highly inappropriate. Jamie Foxx’s comment should be taken with a grain of salt. He is a comedian by trade and is paid to be humorous, ironic and even a bit controversial. But naysayers believe his joke points to a larger problem of Hollywood hero-worship of President Obama. In some corners, the President is idolized because of his penchant for public speaking, charming demeanor, loving family, good looks and rags-to-riches upbringing. His 2008 campaign, which hinged on the theme of change, led some to believe he was a mythical superhero sent to miraculously pull our economy out of a recession, fight for the poor and end a costly and widely unpopular war. It’s that perception of Obama that’s behind Jamie Foxx’s sarcastic joke and also at the root of much of the criticism about the public’s admiration of the President.”

The writer of the article is willing to relegate the Jamie Foxx statement to “jest” and excuse it because “a comedian by trade and is paid to be humorous, ironic and even a bit controversial.” The writer that asserts: “Jamie Foxx’s comment should be taken with a grain of salt.” Just a question: How wise is it for anyone to stretch the limits of “jest” and essentially make mockery of Who Jesus Christ is and what the Lord and Savior accomplished when He died on the cross to make atonement for man’s sin and to accomplish redemption for those who would receive Him as their Savior and Lord? What has Barack Obama sacrificed for mankind? What can he provide in terms of eternity and the souls of mankind?

The basic consideration is in terms of the Biblical references to Blasphemy. In the issuance and declaration of The Law of God, Exodus 20:7 contains the following: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” The Message paraphrase is clear when it states: “No using the name of God, your God, in curses or silly banter; God won't put up with the irreverent use of his name.” In II Timothy 3:1-5, Paul gives a vivid description of behavior as the last days dawn upon us: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”

In 1970, Walt Kelly created a Poster for Earth Day and used as a caption: “We have met the enemy and he is us.” He would later incorporate the sentiment of that statement in his Comic Strip when the featured character, Pogo, said: "We Have Met The Enemy and The Enemy Is Us.” Taking the “grain of salt” liberties suggested above, perhaps we can paraphrase the Pogo expression and say: “We Have Identified The Blasphemer(s) and The Audience Cheered The Blasphemy.” Just a passing question: Will the one who was referred to as “our Lord and Savior” step forward and repudiate this Blasphemy and attribution as being both wrong and inappropriate? Most likely, No!  Consider these things with me!