Is Blaspheming a Violation of BNBR on Quora?

Understanding the guidelines set forth by Quora's community norms (BNBR) can be complex, especially when it comes to sensitive topics such as religion and blasphemy. This article aims to clarify the boundaries of these rules in the context of online discourse, particularly on platforms like Quora.

BNBR and Respecting Diverse Beliefs

BNBR, or the Quora community norms, emphasize the importance of being polite and respectful towards all users, but do not mandate a belief in or respect for any given religion. This means that while expressing atheism and indicating that one views all religions as nonsense does not necessarily violate BNBR, calling a specific individual (e.g., Alice) an idiot because of her religious beliefs would contravene these norms.

Blasphemy is Subjective

Blasphemy, much like pornography, is in the eye of the beholder. What is considered blasphemous varies based on the community or group perceiving it. Therefore, a statement that one religious group might consider blasphemous might not be seen as such by another group or by the broader Quora community. It is essential to recognize that Quora is a platform that fosters a wide range of viewpoints and ideas. As such, the validity of a claim of blasphemy is determined by the perspectives of the individuals involved, and no single group can impose such accusations as a universal truth.

When is Blaspheming a Violation of BNBR?

Blasphemy can be seen as a violation of BNBR if it is used as a weapon to demean, insult, provoke, or hurt others. In such cases, the intent behind the statement is more important than the statement itself. If a Quoran's purpose in making a statement is to provoke a response, regardless of the content of the statement, this behavior can be considered a breach of these norms. The key is to ensure that discussions remain respectful and constructive, rather than devolving into personal attacks or vandalism.

BNBR vs. Blasphemy Laws

BNBR focuses on treating others with respect, whereas blasphemy laws generally aim to protect religious beliefs and values. Without strict enforcement, blasphemy laws can often be misused to silence critics and proponents of other faiths. If blasphemy is treated as a violation of BNBR, it would mean that any criticism of a religion, even if calibrated to be respectful, could be deemed inappropriate. This would paradoxically create a situation where the most zealous advocates of competing religions would have the most protection, rather than those who offer measured and thoughtful criticisms.

Additionally, if the act of criticizing another religion were to be considered blasphemy, this could lead to a cycle of accusations and counter-accusations, ultimately undermining the purpose of fostering respectful discourse. Therefore, Blasphemy should not be treated as a violation of BNBR. If a deity were to join Quora and engage in discourse, direct insults might be seen as violations, but criticisms—while possibly controversial—would not be.

Conclusion

The guidelines set forth by BNBR emphasize the importance of maintaining a respectful and inclusive community. While blasphemy itself may be subjective and is not protected by BNBR, using it to demean or provoke others can certainly be a violation. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a platform where users can engage in respectful and meaningful dialogue, rather than one where personal attacks and provocations reign supreme.