It’s undignified to mock @realDonaldTrump’s health issues. That’s off limits. Let’s focus on issues. Hope you recover, Mr. President. — Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) June 15, 2020 Focus on issues? Health (mental and physical) is an issue. As for the propriety of mockery, it is wrong all things being equal. But in this case, all […]
mockery
Mock beliefs, not people, Revisited
Over the last few years I’ve repeatedly encountered atheists who are unapologetic about mocking Christians and other “religious” people (i.e. the outgroup). Often they justify this practice by insisting that they are mocking beliefs, not people. The silver lining here is that these folks still sense the need to justify their bad behavior. Other individuals see no […]
Mocking Atheism
I was recently asked whether it is ever appropriate to mock atheism. To be precise, the questioner should have asked whether it is ever appropriate to mock atheists. The distinction is important to keep in mind, for one does not mock ideas, they mock the people who hold them. With that in mind, let’s be […]
Mocking Christians who believe in talking snakes? A response to The Atheist Missionary
Last week I wrote “Laughing at Fundamentalists” in critique of those who would propose to mock certain groups. (Of course to mock a group it is best to label them first and “Fundamentalist” is as good a label as any.) In response I received the following comment from The Atheist Missionary: “I’ve always taken the position […]
Mock beliefs, not people?
In my essay “Laughing at Fundamentalists?” I critiqued John Loftus and Keith Parsons for advocating ridicule or mockery of those they call “fundamentalists”. In response a few commenters advocated mocking beliefs rather than the people that hold them. And how’s that supposed to work? Skeptic Sam (trying unsuccessfully to stifle a snicker): “Do you seriously […]
Laughing at fundamentalists? Lessons from John Loftus and Keith Parsons
The title of John Loftus’ article says it all: “Professor Keith Parsons Advocates Ridicule.” Well, okay it doesn’t exactly say it all. You have to read the article to find that Loftus agrees with Parsons. Fundamentalists should be ridiculed. However, Loftus adds “Keep in mind we don’t advocate this as the only response.” Why even […]
