Religions should be ridiculed. So suck it up

IF religions want to be exempt from mockery, they should rethink their place in society and the enormous benefits it grants them, writes Alana Schetzer.

A CHRISTIAN, a Hindu and a Buddhist walk into a bar and sit down for a drink.

They talk about how they all hate the new lamb ad.

In just a few days, the ad — which depicts gods, goddesses, deities and representatives from about a dozen religions sitting around a table having a meal — has gone from a cheeky attempt to “unite” people and has instead divided them. Ironic, huh?

The Hindu Council of Australia wants the ad banned, saying it has upset many of their members because the god Ganesha — who is shown in the ad — is believed by many to be a vegetarian.

Likewise, Melbourne Anglican bishop Philip Huggins said he too felt angry and disappointed by the ad’s portrayal of Jesus turning a glass of Aphrodite’s wine back into water, after she told the group that she was driving home.

“Jesus at the last supper before his crucifixion and then resurrection — [the ad] seems to be using that wonderful, deep and mystical event as something they are just appropriating to their sell their sheep,” he told SBS World News.

Apparently, the ad is “disrespectful”, “offensive” and “insensitive”.

Short cut, everyone is cranky.

But so what?

Why should religions be exempt from mockery or humour, when everything else in society is up for grabs?

An ad depicting religious unity over lamb has upset and divided religious communities. Go figure. (Pic: Meat and Livestock Australia)

The problem with religions — all religions — is that they play a powerful and forceful role in society. Even in a secular society such as Australia, religions dominate — just look at how some Christian churches are attempting to influence the marriage equality survey and the Victorian Government’s intention to legalise assisted dying.

It’s a role they have demanded, and continue to use and manipulate as a means of gaining power, influence and tax breaks.

If religions want to be part of society — and they do, because it’s the source of their power — they have little argument about being protected.

I’m not a Hindu or a Christian, and I don’t pretend to speak on behalf of them: I’m just your friendly, neighbourhood Jew who thinks that the most offensive part of that ad was the fact that Larry David wasn’t represented as our holy saviour.

Some people are really upset by the ad; other people think it’s funny and clever, and then there are those who don’t really care.

The ad wasn’t attacking a vulnerable or marginalised group of people — religions are the most powerful institutions on earth. And yes, while some groups of followers have been persecuted, the ad’s theme was about unity. It was perhaps clumsily executed, but there was nothing vicious in that ad.

Where was Curb Your Enthusiam creator Larry David’s seat at the table? (Pic: Getty)

Religions should be made fun of, because there’s plenty of material in each and every one of them. And when they are mocked, their followers can feel offended if they like, just like I feel offended that Catholic churches still dictate whether some hospitals carry out certain medical procedures.

I find it offensive that religions continue to protect paedophiles and abusers; I find it offensive that religions have condoned domestic violence; I find it offensive that religions have demonised women, the LGBTI community and people born outside of marriage. I find it offensive that religions continue to have the power to discriminate against people based on their gender, sexual orientation and religion.

And I’m offended that my favourite Kosher bakery is closed on Saturdays, which is the day that I crave bagels the most.

Religions and their gatekeepers should never be above criticism, challenge or mockery.

If religions want to be exempt from a silly ad, then they’re going to have to rethink their place in society, and the enormous benefits granted to them.

Originally published as Religions should be ridiculed. So suck it up