Blasphemy

Following is a BBC link concerning the assasination of a liberal Pakistani governor, Salman Taseer,  who was murdered by his bodygaurd on 01/04/2011 because of his stance on Blasphemy laws: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12111831

Hearing about this idea of blasphemy laws caught my attention and got me to thinking about my life. First of all, I'm thankful that I live in a country where I have a freedom to practice religion freely and in that, blaspheme whichever god or gods I choose. The first constitutional amendment has paved a way for this: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech , or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."  It is apparent from the very existence of blasphemy laws in Pakistan that the freedom of religion and speech are not available to it's citizens. Freedom of speech ensures that tongue wagging is permissable but does not guarantee that all speech will be appreciated and accepted. The thought of being imprisoned or killed for speech or religious practice is very foreign to Americans and I'm glad that I live in the U.S.A. It is great that Salman Taseer was fighting for human rights in Pakistan and am saddened that he suffered in such a way.

Secondly, I thought about blasphemy. Blasphemy in essence is irreverance or disrespect toward a god or reglion shown in action or thought. In the case of the blasphemy laws it is mostly to do with the Muhammad the prophet and Islam. Personally, I think that it is hillarious to have law against blasphemy because most blasphemy is in thought. If there were Blasphemy laws one could blaspheme all day under his breath and remain free. As long as no one knew his thoughts he would get away with it. But some people have chosen to blaspheme in a public way. In some countries, like Pakistan, public blasphemy against Islam, it's god, and prophet Muhammad is against the law.

I would never think to add a law to defend my God against blasphemy. The God of the Bible, Jehovah, YHWH, or Jesus (He goes by many names) sees and knows all of our thoughts. He knows our hearts.

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1Samuel 16:8

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13

This is incredibly embarassing and humbling because my thoughts have been and are inappropriate at times and admittedly blasphemous also. So what does God require of we who are blasphemous? I believe the answer is in a song written by David:

You are not pleased by sacrifices, or I would give them. You don't want burnt offerings. The sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit. God, you will not reject a heart that is broken and sorry for sin. Psalm 51:16-17

My pennance or sacrifice is to come before God with my heart broken and truly sorry for what I have done. When I have been irreverant or disrespectful toward the True God, it is not the responsiblity of a government anywhere to keep tabs on my heart or demand a punishment for my wrongdoing.  I will be accountable towards God for my heart and my deeds. And so will you.