A Word on Blasphemy. (1867.)
The work is a treatise on the concept of blasphemy and its implications for society. It explores the historical development of laws against blasphemy, their application in various cultures, and the tensions between freedom of speech and religious protection. The author argues that blasphemy laws are often used to suppress dissenting voices and maintain social order, rather than protect religious sensibilities.
By James Stamers · First published 1867 · Genre: Religious Critique, Satire, Philosophical Essay · 2,082 words
First lines
This is one of our few and far-between outbursts of Rabelasian laughter, irresistibly provoked by the aggressive absurdities of theology; and as such I consider it thoroughly defensible. In all seriousness I affirm that its mockery is far less "blasphemous" than the solemn outrage on reason, the infernal damnation of all mankind who are sensible and sane or who are even mad otherwise than the author, the cold-blooded dissection of the infinite and eternal God as a superior surgeon may dissect an inferior corpse, perpetrated by its prototype the so-called Athanasian Creed. I do not see in what the statement that an old monkey of the tribe once saw the tail of this great big monkey is more irreverent than that other statement how Moses of the tribe of Levi once saw the back parts of the Lord; whom the Church believes to be a Spirit infinite, without parts, a sort of omnipresent aether or supersubtle gas.
What this Textopian page supports
A Word on Blasphemy. (1867.) is listed on Textopian as an essay by James Stamers, dated 1867 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: James Stamers
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Critique, Satire, Philosophical Essay, Theological Discourse, Social Commentary
- Length: 2,082 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Word on Blasphemy. (1867.) by James Stamers
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Word on Blasphemy. (1867.)?
- How does this essay by James Stamers fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Critique first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Plagiarism by Mary Baker Eddy
- Epistles And Oaths by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- The Age Of Reason by Thomas Paine
- Concerning Tobacco by Mark Twain
- Virtue And Liberty by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- The Sabbath Question In Sudminster by Israel Zangwill
Genres
- Religious Critique — The text is a critical examination of religious beliefs and practices, particularly focusing on the absurdities and contradictions within Christian theology.
- Satire — The work employs humor and irony to mock religious dogma and the societal norms surrounding it, reminiscent of Rabelaisian laughter.
- Philosophical Essay — The text delves into philosophical discussions about the nature of blasphemy and the existence of God, challenging traditional beliefs.
- Theological Discourse — The content engages in a discourse on theological concepts, critiquing the Athanasian Creed and other religious doctrines.
Tags
Philosophy · Theology · Criticism · Satire · Social Commentary · Literary Analysis · Historical Context · Religious Debate · Free Speech · Censorship · Moral Philosophy · Ethics