I am not beholden to their beliefs.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

I don't set out to offend people, I even try to avoid it (most times). Still, I am my own person.

I find many things to be offensive. I try to avoid them. Many times I speak out against them because I am my own person. I prefer to speak to those who are offensive. First, because I don't think that which offends my values should be left unanswered. It should be challenged. Second, because I think people are free moral beings they have the ability to choose between right and wrong - and to see people choose right is a cause for joy. People certainly, according to my values, be compelled to do right. That's not a correct moral choice but rather a compulsion and it nullifies any moral benefit to the one who was coerced and the one who forced the action.

A man who refrains from stealing out of fear of the police is not honest, only the man who values his neighbor so as to not take what his neighbor has earned can be called honest.

I think blaspheming someone else's beliefs is at best, rude. But I am not beholden to their commandments because I do not share their values. Telling me to not offend them serves no purpose, it won't make me a better person it can only make me subject to values I do not share. That is pointless and if there are threats of violence for my failing to obey then it is now my values being blasphemed.

Why should I respect those who offend me with coercion?

If it can be demanded that I adhere to demands concerning blasphemy what else am I obligated to observe that would also offend my values? Should I cover my head? Should I never leave my house without my father or husband?

"No one is demanding you do that!"

Yet. By even then, why one and not the other? What is the boundary between what I am expected to accommodate and what I am free to choose on my own?

Offended? Let's talk it out.

Don't want to talk about it? That's your choice, you're on your own. Say whatever you like about me but keep your hands to yourself. If you can't then the problem will be yours. I'm not the bravest girl in the world but I don't feel like surrendering to anyone but my own Conscience.

Maybe I am just a young, naive waif and I have chosen the wrong Creed. Maybe others know better. But until the day comes and I am blessed with an epiphany I can only be who I am now. Anything else would be lying to you.

[Glassunion]

1. Well put. +1

[HERVEPA]

2. Someone has some anger issues.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

3. How is, "I don't mean to offend, let's talk it out" an expression of anger?

[ChosenUnWisely]

4. Athieists cannot commit Blasphemy only the religious can.

A person who is good only because of punishment from their deity is not really good either.

Perhaps if people STFU about their religion and keep it in their home or place of worship, and STOP trying to incorporate religion into Secular Government would go a long way to not having to worry about blasphemy or being offended by others who do share your same religion.

If people want to talk about their religion in public then others can speak ill of it, if they so choose, in public too.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

5. The OP isn't about blasphemy, it's about freedom of conscience and I am okay with that being

codified even though it arises from my religious beliefs.