Are there topics you shouldn't be allowed to discuss?
Some governments and institutions—and even some individuals—want to keep certain topics off limits. This is especially true with religion. In many places, discussions and questions about religion are discouraged, even punished. But how can we come to our own conclusions about religion if we can't freely examine and discuss it?
To
encourage free expression and to celebrate Blasphemy Day 2009 (September 30),
the
Council for Secular Humanism and its sister organization, CFI,
are sponsoring a
Blasphemy Contest.
Blasphemy: n. the act of denying or scoffing at God or God's alleged attributes.
To enter, all you have to do is create a phrase, poem, or statement that would be or would have been considered blasphemous. Entries may take any form (haiku anyone?), but must be 20 words or less. The top 5 winners will receive CFI t-shirts with their submission printed on the shirt. In addition to the shirt, the first place winner will also receive a mug imprinted with the winning phrase, recognition in Free Inquiry magazine, general publicity, and, naturally, eternal damnation.
Submit entries to blasphemycontest@centerforinquiry.net. Details and contest rules may be found on the Campaign for Free Expression website.
DEADLINE: ONE
WEEK
Entries must be received by midnight, October 1,
2009.
While
you're on a roll, start thinking about the next two
"Free
Expression" contests!
Free Expression Essay Contest: Students enrolled in an accredited college or university are invited to submit an essay about "The Importance of Free Expression and Its Limits (If Any)." Each entry must address the question of what limits national governments or recognized international bodies, such as the United Nations, may justifiably place on free expression. First prize is $2,000 (USD). Submit entries to essaycontest@centerforinquiry.net. Contest rules may be downloaded here. DEADLINE: Entries must be received by January 5, 2010.
Cartoon Contest: Entries will be judged by professional cartoonists. Details will be announced soon, but for now start thinking about the doctrines of all of humanity's religions (we aim to be as ecumenical as possible).
“Preserving the right to uncensored expression
is important not only because it is indispensable for an
objective examination of truth claims—it is no accident
that dictatorships uniformly suppress speech—but also
because it has intrinsic value. Human dignity requires the
freedom to express oneself as an individual.”
—
Ronald A. Lindsay, CFI President and
CEO
Blasphemy Day is part of The Campaign for Free
Expression, a joint initiative
between the Center for
Inquiry and the Council for Secular Humanism to focus attention on one of the most crucial
components of freethought: the right of individuals to express
their viewpoints, opinions, and beliefs about all
subjects—especially religion.
For more information, please contact info@centerforinquiry.net.
