The Right to Be Offensive and the Need for Islamic Reform

When I was younger, and a more devout Catholic than I am now, the movie "The Last Temptation of Christ" came out. At the time, it caused quite a controversy, with religious people denouncing it and proponents of free speech singing its praises. I was one of those opposed to the movie, at the time. Now, many years later, I have reversed my position. One's right to express one's views takes precedence over another's right to not be offended by said views. If the reverse were true, we might as well do away with this thing called "language" and ban speech entirely, as, ultimately, no matter what you say, someone, somewhere, will likely be offended.

Religious beliefs are not immune from criticism or ridicule. If I were to place a crucifix in a jar of urine, or mold a sculpture of Jesus and his apostles with disproportionately large erections, and call either one of these art (both of which have been done), I would be within my rights. If Jesus were alive today, he might be offended and voice his displeasure, but I don't think he'd order anyone's execution over the matter. Similarly, if I were to mold a sculpture of Mohammed's head and immerse it in a bowl of urine, again I would be within my rights even though it would surely offend most, if not all, of the Islamic world, and might even get me killed in retribution. I have the right to be offensive. If I choose to insult another person, I am within my rights. I can stand on the street and shout profanities at Mohammed or at God. Will I offend people? Of course I will, but that is not the point.