“As hatred is defined as intense dislike, what is wrong with inciting intense dislike of a religion, if the activities or teachings of that religion are so outrageous, irrational or abusive of human rights that they deserve to be intensely disliked?”
In today's world, discussions surrounding freedom of speech and the criticism of religions continue to be hotly debated topics. Rowan Atkinson's quote raises important questions about the boundaries of criticizing religions based on their teachings and actions. In an era where social media and online platforms allow for instant sharing of opinions, it is crucial to consider the impact of inciting intense dislike towards a religion.
In this quote by Rowan Atkinson, the actor and comedian challenges the notion that inciting intense dislike of a religion is inherently wrong. Atkinson suggests that if a religion's teachings or actions are egregious enough to violate human rights, then it is justified to express intense dislike towards that religion. This quote raises important questions about the limits of tolerance and the moral responsibility to speak out against harmful beliefs or practices.
“He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked by his friends.”
“If Mitchell was ever going to become a good Christian, he would have to stop disliking people so intensely.”
“When...did it become irrational to dislike religion, any religion, even to dislike it vehemently? When did reason get redescribed as unreason? When were the fairy stories of the superstitious placed above criticism, beyond satire? A religion was not a race. It was an idea, and ideas stood (or fell) because they were strong enough (or too weak) to withstand criticism, not because they were shielded from it. Strong ideas welcomed dissent.”
“Religion should unite all hearts and cause wars and disputes to vanish from the face of the earth; it should give birth to spirituality, and bring light and life to every soul. If religion becomes a cause of dislike, hatred and division, it would be better to be without it... Any religion which is not a cause of love and unity is no religion.”
“Modern art has to be what is called ‘intense.’ it is not easy to define being intense; but, roughly speaking, it means saying only one thing at a time, and saying it wrong.”