IN SUPPORT OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

This is a repost of a cartoon drawn by Jonathan Shapiro (aka Zapiro) for the Mail and Guardian newspaper (see the original HERE). But ... let me clarify a few things.

1. I support respecting other peoples' views and beliefs, even though I differ radically from them.
2. I also support extending that respect to sensitively handling those aspects of these belief systems that are deemed crucial to the core, important and central to the adherents' world views.
3. I also believe in freedom of expression. Therefore ...
4. I believe in the right to engage aspects of said world views that are in conflict with other world views.
5. This conversation should be based on accepting the partners in discussion's views as legitimate and valid, even when I disagree with it.
6. Yet, I should be allowed to freely question or discuss the fallacies and flaws in these views in order to learn the underlying premises and in order to contribute to a new understanding of the issue at hand.

Having said this, I am reposting Zapiro's response to the furore erupting from his initial depiction of the prophet Muhammad. I am asking people to consider the following: If it is blasphemous to draw the prophet, are our Muslim brothers and sisters not elevating the esteemed prophet to the same level as God (in their case, Allah)? Why is his countenance so revered that no-one has the right to present a depiction in any way of him? I am asking, because I seek to understand.

But if the outrage stems from a cultural backlash that has the forced acceptance of an, in this case, Islamic world view and value system as its underlying core - albeit through the public bullying of people questioning the said views, I humbly submit that I must differ from this modus operandi.

Just as Christianity is scrutinized, questioned and even attacked, faith systems and world views across the globe should welcome the opportunity to interact and testify to the central core of their beliefs. This, after all, provides the opportunity to listen, understand and find further mutual ground for establishing a society that provide a safe space for all people to live in with respect and dignity. And it gives all of us the equal opportunity to present our God as the One who lives. If I ask the right to share my relationship with Christ with unbelievers, I must afford it to other faiths as well - since it is true that in the Bible I am led to believe that God is in control and will convince, through the Holy spirit, those who hear my testimony.