University of Cape Town students blaspheme God

[Cinette]

**Jesus Christ & Christianity Singled out for Blasphemous Attack by
University of Cape Town ****(UCT) - South Africa! **

The 2009 edition of the University of Cape Town (UCT) Sax Appeal
magazine has grossly overstepped the boundaries of decency & respect for
individual religious beliefs by singling out the person of Jesus Christ
and the Christian faith for blasphemous mockery and ridicule.

In a cartoon created from 50’s stock pictures, word balloons are
inserted to blaspheme Jesus Christ and demean, mock and ridicule the
Christian faith. Jesus is referred to as a “tool”, Christians as stupid
c**nts and God as a “pervert”

On page 84/85 entitled “LIE, top ten atheist retorts to fundamentalist
Christians - Richard Sagan puts them in their place with these handy
replies”.

“Jesus died to save us from our sins”. - “I bet he feels like a tool
now”

“Praise the Lord, it’s a miracle!” - “No you stupid C.U.N.T. (Christian
who Understands No Theorems) statistically they happen every 365 days”

In one picture a man with a megaphone shouts to passing people “I love
God”. The caption above him reads; “F**k off to heaven and leave the
rest of us alone”

In another, a women is lifting her leg saying; “pervert” with the
caption underneath “God sees everything”

In a picture of two men lying in bed at opposite ends, “Without God you
will never be happy” - “I’m pretty happy when I’m drunk, high on crack
and having freakish man sex”

These and many other exclusive attacks on Christianity are spread
throughout the magazine.
A full page of Zapiro cartoons mock the Levitical injunction against
homosexuality.
If UCT attempted this despicable attack against any other faith group
there would have been a major outcry by now and perhaps even violence.

Alarmingly, I can’t find anybody at UCT willing to take responsibility
for this blasphemous and unwarranted attack on Christ and the faith of
millions of Christians.

THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! - THIS IS INDEFENSIBLE! - THIS IS DISCRIMINATORY! IT IS TIME FOR CHRISTIANS TO STAND UP FOR WHAT THEY BELIEVE AND DEFEND THEIR FAITH, BELIEFS & THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS!

The person in charge of student affairs at UCT who allowed this mockery to take place is; Moonira Khan, Executive Director of Student Affairs - 021 650 3535 email: moonira.khan@uct.ac.za

Professor Nhlapo The acting Deputy Vice Chancellor of UCT,- 021 650
2170, email: thandabantu.nhlapo@uct.ac.za who refused to speak to me on
this matter;

Jonathan Ackerman, Marketing Director of Pick n Pay who sponsored the
Sax Appeal magazine and are currently selling them in their stores. -
021 658 1118 or 021 658 1000 email: jackerman@pnp.co.za

The UCT team responsible for the blasphemous magazine:

Project Manager Aliyah Allie Editor - in - Chief Maciek Dubla email:
uctrag@gmail.com Deputy Editors - in - Chief Brian Muller Pieter Smedy
Creative Director Heather Ingarfield Design Team Alice Inggs Kudikwashe
Maradzika Reinhard van Biljon Content Editor Brennan Hodkinson External
Contributor Liaison Cayleigh Bright

Other sponsors of the magazine are; Bang Bang Club, Big Bash, Bokomo,
Bright’s Hardware, Butlers, Cape Argus, Cape Times, Coca-Cola, Customer
Care Solutions, Falko 1 Good Hope FM, Graphic Designer - Riaan Venter,
Kirstenbosch, La Med Make Up Artist - Andrew James Old Mutual, Paarl
Web, Photographer - Adrian Stanford Photographer - Toby Murphy, Pick 'n
Pay, Powerade, Riverside Mall, Ross Demolition, Stylist - Andrew James
Team Talk, Zoopy Standing

Pick 'n Pay, a huge supermarket outlet has reacted and declared that the magazine will not be sold at Pick 'n Pay supermarkets.

 

[Squishy]

The cartoons sound like they are in very bad taste. Although i do not know the kind of bench mark that the magazine sets, so it could just be par for the course.

However why should religion be immune to satire. Sure if it was another religion like Islam things would have turned nasty very quick. Remember the nonesense about the cartoons in denmark.

Fortunatly we have such a thing called Freedom of speech though, and if you want to take away that right from people then thats fine, but understand what you yourself would be giving up. If the cartoons offend you, its no nessesery to look at them. Or to advetise them as you have done. Controversy sells. With a big outcry more and more people will only buy the magazine, funding the very people you are angry with.

Sometimes its better to just turn the other cheek even when things upset and offend you to the point of outrage. You have every right to complain about them being offensive but know that the more you will promote the very thing you are trying to campaign against, and at best you might recieve an appolagy and a resignation. While the mag sees its best profits for a single issue.

Just my opinion.

 

[Cinette]

The cartoons sound like they are in very bad taste. Although i do not know the kind of bench mark that the magazine sets, so it could just be par for the course.

However why should religion be immune to satire. Sure if it was another religion like Islam things would have turned nasty very quick. Remember the nonesense about the cartoons in denmark.

Fortunatly we have such a thing called Freedom of speech though, and if you want to take away that right from people then thats fine, but understand what you yourself would be giving up. If the cartoons offend you, its no nessesery to look at them. Or to advetise them as you have done. Controversy sells. With a big outcry more and more people will only buy the magazine, funding the very people you are angry with.

Sometimes its better to just turn the other cheek even when things upset and offend you to the point of outrage. You have every right to complain about them being offensive but know that the more you will promote the very thing you are trying to campaign against, and at best you might recieve an appolagy and a resignation. While the mag sees its best profits for a single issue.

Just my opinion.

You certainly have a point - Controversy sells and the purpose of the magazine is to obtain funds for charity.

The point is we should not have to “turn the other cheek” when it comes to blasphemy.

 

[Squishy]

You certainly have a point - Controversy sells and the purpose of the magazine is to obtain funds for charity.

The point is we should not have to “turn the other cheek” when it comes to blasphemy.

Everyone has the right to blaspheme. GOD (TBC) is more than capable of punishing those who do without you adding fuel to the fire.

 

[Cinette]

Everyone has the right to blaspheme. GOD (TBC) is more than capable of punishing those who do without you adding fuel to the fire.

I would like to understand how I am adding fuel to the fire.

As I see it, if we do not protest then we are condoning with our silence and then it becomes OK to blaspheme. If a child is not corrected when committing an offense then one is saying it is OK. Then everything is OK… Is that what you are saying?

Please explain. Maybe I have missed something. You must have a purpose for being on these forums.

 

[benedictus2]

The cartoons sound like they are in very bad taste. Although i do not know the kind of bench mark that the magazine sets, so it could just be par for the course.

However why should religion be immune to satire. Sure if it was another religion like Islam things would have turned nasty very quick. Remember the nonesense about the cartoons in denmark.

Fortunatly we have such a thing called Freedom of speech though, and if you want to take away that right from people then thats fine, but understand what you yourself would be giving up. If the cartoons offend you, its no nessesery to look at them. Or to advetise them as you have done. Controversy sells. With a big outcry more and more people will only buy the magazine, funding the very people you are angry with.

Sometimes its better to just turn the other cheek even when things upset and offend you to the point of outrage. You have every right to complain about them being offensive but know that the more you will promote the very thing you are trying to campaign against, and at best you might recieve an appolagy and a resignation. While the mag sees its best profits for a single issue.

Just my opinion.

If we were to cartoon you / your mother / daughter/ husband / etc and show them in really crude, rude situation or post your naked body and put all sort of bestial captions on it and spread that around for all to read, I suppose that would also go under freedom of speech and press ?

But you are right, it is rather stupid of us to expect decency from you.

 

[LRThunder]

The cartoons sound like they are in very bad taste. Although i do not know the kind of bench mark that the magazine sets, so it could just be par for the course.

However why should religion be immune to satire. Sure if it was another religion like Islam things would have turned nasty very quick. Remember the nonesense about the cartoons in denmark.

Fortunatly we have such a thing called Freedom of speech though, and if you want to take away that right from people then thats fine, but understand what you yourself would be giving up. If the cartoons offend you, its no nessesery to look at them. Or to advetise them as you have done. Controversy sells. With a big outcry more and more people will only buy the magazine, funding the very people you are angry with.

Sometimes its better to just turn the other cheek even when things upset and offend you to the point of outrage. You have every right to complain about them being offensive but know that the more you will promote the very thing you are trying to campaign against, and at best you might recieve an appolagy and a resignation. While the mag sees its best profits for a single issue.

Just my opinion.

Well, unfortunately for some countries, freedom of speech is only allowed for those who mock Christianity. However, if one tries to criticize Islam or homosexuality, there are either violent riots or you’re hauled off to a kangaroo court.

 

[mlchance]

Everyone has the right to blaspheme.

No one has the right to do that which is wrong.

– Mark L. Chance.

 

[Squishy]

I would like to understand how I am adding fuel to the fire.

As I see it, if we do not protest then we are condoning with our silence and then it becomes OK to blaspheme. If a child is not corrected when committing an offense then one is saying it is OK. Then everything is OK… Is that what you are saying?

Please explain. Maybe I have missed something. You must have a purpose for being on these forums.

You can protest, of course. Its your right to do so. However know that the very right allowing you to protest allows them to print such cartoons, and also be aware that by protesting you are doing them a huge favor. And all that you can possibly expect to achieve in the end is an appolagy, and resignation at best.

I come to these forums for informed debate with people who hold different views from me, and to learn a bit more about the catholic faith.

If we were to cartoon you / your mother / daughter/ husband / etc and show them in really crude, rude situation or post your naked body and put all sort of bestial captions on it and spread that around for all to read, I suppose that would also go under freedom of speech and press ?

But you are right, it is rather stupid of us to expect decency from you.

If you where to do such a thing it would probebly be libel however im not a lawyer so don’t know for sure. Regardless of how humiliating i find something or distressing i find it. I would always accept that over the loss of freedome of speech/press. If you allow people to say what they want they almost inevetably say somthing that offends or upsets people. However this is always preferable to censorship. Bear in mind the censor might not nessesery agree with your views.

On a side note i doupt i am famous enough to warrent my own cartoon.

Well, unfortunately for some countries, freedom of speech is only allowed for those who mock Christianity. However, if one tries to criticize Islam or homosexuality, there are either violent riots or you’re hauled off to a kangaroo court.

Are you saying that people should fear Christians violently rioting every time someone says something you consider blasphemy? Where do you draw the line? What exactly can people say about your religion before you get the torches and pitchforks out? Or mabey they should just be imprisoned? Another circle of hatred and violence thats just what our children need
None of you have to like what was done at this newspaper. In fact i would expect every christians on this forum to be outraged. And with every right, they are mocking your god in what sounds like an extremly degrading manner. However be aware that the rights you take for granted are the rights that give them the ability to say this. If you start to take them away from them then you will inevetably lose them yourself. By all means campaign against this paper. Its your right to do so. Shout to the rafters and make everyone take note of your campaign. But in the end you are giving them free publicity, and always hold in the back of your mind that the only reason you are able to complain is because of the freedom that lets them say these things in the first place.

To be honest i dont know many people who would buy such a magazine in the first place. However if you create a big fuss about it people will inevetably go out to find out exactly what the problem is.

 

[Cinette]

You can protest, of course. Its your right to do so. However know that the very right allowing you to protest allows them to print such cartoons, and also be aware that by protesting you are doing them a huge favor. And all that you can possibly expect to achieve in the end is an appolagy, and resignation at best.

I come to these forums for informed debate with people who hold different views from me, and to learn a bit more about the catholic faith.

…

To be honest i dont know many people who would buy such a magazine in the first place. However if you create a big fuss about it people will inevetably go out to find out exactly what the problem is.

I think you make a good point but my objective was not to cause people to go out and make big manifestations and shout on the tree tops. What I wanted was for people to register their protest with those whose email addresses appear in my original post. At the end of the day I want the students responsible to be conscientised and sensitised - I want them to realised that they hurt and offend when they write these things. No matter what their belief system is, they are humans who should be more “delicate” in their approach. I have known many atheists who were extremely sensitive and gracious and would never dream of this kind of conduct.

The magazine is supposed to generate contributions for charity. The sponsors should be made aware of this and by censuring the students responsible the latter would become aware of their indiscretion. That is all.

If one does nothing they they will think that it is acceptable to conduct themselves in this way.

I do not know what part of the world you come from but I would be surprised if you were “latin” - my experience with “latins” is that there is a certain respect and there are reserved words which are only used in very “special” occasions. Maybe the new generation don’t even notice.

Peace
Cinette

 

[benedictus2]

You can protest, of course. Its your right to do so. However know that the very right allowing you to protest allows them to print such cartoons,

And if there is no right to print cartoons that villify, there is no need for the right to protest.

 

[Squishy]

And if there is no right to print cartoons that villify, there is no need for the right to protest.

Thank goodness some of us are willing to stand up for your rights even if you are not.

The cartoons where in EXTREMLY bad taste, thats about it.

 

[VivienneJ]

First, so that no one doubts my Catholic, moral position, the cartoons are offensive.

However, let’s get some perspective here. The magazine is not some regular university publication as such.

All the Universities in South Africa have Rag around this time of year. A student body that raises funds for charity, they do this by selling a magazine that they print, there is usually a float parade through the streets of whatever city the university is in which includes street collections, there is also usually a Rag Ball where a Rag Queen is crowned, as well as various other fund raising events.

As to the so-called magazine. The students concerned set out to be outrageous and provocative. My memory for this type of outcry goes back about 40 years and there have been complaints about at least one Rag Mag that it is: blasphemous / racist / insulting / immoral / in bad taste / etc. That is probably the intention of these students - so that people will go on buying a copy each year.

For goodness sake ignore it, it is what is expected in a Rag Mag.

Cinette, given all the very real problems facing South Africa at the moment, I’m quite saddened that you felt there was any reason to broadcast this silly nonsense in an international forum.

 

[ClementRome]

As Christ himself said “They know not what they do”

I think this magazine doesn’t realize the weight of what they are truly doing. Its obvious they do not value they’re souls or they’re eternal well being. Things tend not to be a joke anymore when you are in Hell for all eternity.

Let us pray for these people and hope they will repent and that God will not hold it against them

 

[Francisco181202]

This is not something new, and every time a Christian cartoon expresses blasphemy all we do is get upset. It is time we stopped giving them what they want. We should do what Our Lord has asked us to do, “Pray for the sinners, so that they may be saved.” Christian persecution is not a new thing, it has merely changed from being fed to wild beasts, to the laws of man. Throughout the world Christianity has been isolated for extinction because we stand against everything they want to make their lives easier. The quantity of evidence leading the mind to the understanding that God exists is combated by their desire for ignorance. We are called weak because it is thaught that we cannot survive without believing God (Already confirmed - squishy)exists, yet it is them who constantly push fact and reason aside for their own personal gain.
Opinions mean nothing unless they are informed. In a court room an opinion is always struck from all records unless the opinion is informed (eg Medical Opinion). The laws of man have always, and will always infringe upon the laws of God. “Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts absolutely” (Lord Acton), is an expression of how man reacts to power.
Let us give these people what they need…Our Prayers. Sacrfise for the conversion of sinners is a message Christ himself portrayed. “Be not afraid, I go before you always…”
As for this not carrying weight, whether it is a rag or not, Blasphemy is Blasphemy. We don’t define it, as it has already been defined. Vivienne, remember what is said about being luke-warm.
And to all the rest who support this in part or as a whole, are you willing to bet eternity on your opinions? Be assured that I shall pray for all who support the rag that they may move from sin to truth.
PS to prevent problems morals should be instilled from a young age. The problems in SA can only be overcome with this in mind. Allowing Morals to decline further shall result in worse situations in the future.

God Bless

 

[VivienneJ]

As for this not carrying weight, whether it is a rag or not, Blasphemy is Blasphemy. We don’t define it, as it has already been defined. Vivienne, remember what is said about being luke-warm.

Francisco, of course blasphemy is dreadful and of course we should be praying for these and all students, that is the time when so many young people lose their way.

My point was to explain that this is not some serious university publication, remembering that this is an international (but mainly USA) forum.

Finally, please do not judge me as luke-warm - you do not know me at all apart from being specifically told not to judge others.

 

[Cinette]

When termites begin gnawing at a wooden house one must take action. They are small and may at first go unnoticed and there lies the danger - before we know what is happening the damage spreads and the house is condemned.

Similarly with venial sins. We commit them and if ignored we get bolder and bolder and begin committing more serious sins and may end up talking ourselves into believing that it is no big deal.

When it comes to matters of Faith we should be watchful. We must not brush aside blasphemy no matter how “small” - the Rag magazine is once a year but does that mean that it doesn’t matter to blaspheme once a year?

There should be no compromise when it comes to matters of faith. Because it is once a year does not make it right.

If we do not defend our Faith who is going to do it for us? Already we see the effects of secularism. We Catholics need to protect and defend our Faith. We should not let things slide, otherwise we risk becoming “Cafetaria Catholics”

Thank you Francisco for your post.

God bless all
Cinette

 

[rwoehmke]

Why not emulate our Muslim brothers and declare a “fatwa” against these unholy people?

 

[Francisco181202]

Vivienne, I intended no such thing. I wanted you (specifically) to gain clarity on how apathy has creeped into society in the guise of “It’s just a joke!”. God shall not permit any action which violates us by others, so why then should we be any different? After all, He did suffer on the cross and die for our sins so that we may be saved. The concepts of small-scope or distantly-periodic are not reason enough for any assualt. We are either for God and his law, or not. It’s simple to understand yet incredibly hard to practice. But when the chips are down and we have to be heard, I am sure you agree that standing for right is better than standing with the majority (but it is also harder to do)? Would any of us permit this about our parents, partners or even friends?

Secondly, I am the last person who wants to judge after my own past episodes, but please accept my apology for not being more clear.

Finally, we all know there are much easier, more profitable, moral and respectful ways to raise funds for charity. The blatant disregard for the infinate options leaves one with the only idea that this is done to shock. It has become steadily worse over the years. I can’t remember who wrote about the comparison between the morals of society and the acceptance of comedy through the ages. It plays true to our ears these days. What will it be like for our children?

“Build your house on solid ground so that it does not get washed away”

God be with us all

Francis (Francisco was the only username closest to mine that was available)

 

[VivienneJ]

Vivienne, I intended no such thing. I wanted you (specifically) to gain clarity on how apathy has creeped into society in the guise of “It’s just a joke!”. God shall not permit any action which violates us by others, so why then should we be any different? After all, He did suffer on the cross and die for our sins so that we may be saved. The concepts of small-scope or distantly-periodic are not reason enough for any assualt. We are either for God and his law, or not. It’s simple to understand yet incredibly hard to practice. But when the chips are down and we have to be heard, I am sure you agree that standing for right is better than standing with the majority (but it is also harder to do)? Would any of us permit this about our parents, partners or even friends?

Secondly, I am the last person who wants to judge after my own past episodes, but please accept my apology for not being more clear.

Finally, we all know there are much easier, more profitable, moral and respectful ways to raise funds for charity. The blatant disregard for the infinate options leaves one with the only idea that this is done to shock. It has become steadily worse over the years. I can’t remember who wrote about the comparison between the morals of society and the acceptance of comedy through the ages. It plays true to our ears these days. What will it be like for our children?

“Build your house on solid ground so that it does not get washed away”

God be with us all

Francis (Francisco was the only username closest to mine that was available)

Apology accepted, thank you.

And now I’m out of here.