Do you think atheists must avoid criticizing religion?

No, I think that the law should apply to all, and no one should be above the law, no matter what their beliefs are.

No you must not.You must speak the truth when the truth must be spoken.If the truth conflicts with others superstition then you must still speak on behalf of the truth.The truth is what we experience and we know of nothing else.The mystery of life is too ambiguous to fathom for the religious but an atheist realizes that it all boils down to a few basic laws that are universal and axiomatic in nature.Religion only complicates things and contributes to primitive behavior that dishonors the true spirit of the human being.We have reached a stage in our existence where all religions have been rendered meaningless.We must depend on our own intellect and reasoning rather than religious (all religions) superstition.

And no,the feelings of an individual do not have to be protected by the law.If you can't get over it then you're just an idiot.Religion is completely false so don't get mad when you read this.Criticize religion every chance you can.

expert. All Christians do not agree on theology. we've distinctive techniques approximately what the scriptures advise. whilst a man or woman criticizes somebody for going door to door to witness, they don't look to be being destructive suitable to the persons going door to door, yet quite what they are asserting whilst somebody suggestions the door. Jehovah Witnesses are in all probability the main elementary door to door evangelists, yet in addition there are Mormons in touch. From a Christians attitude, neither the Jehovah Witness or Mormons, might desire to be seen Christians. the two religions don't have self assurance that the Holy Bible is sufficient as a be responsive to God, and a few don't have self assurance that Jesus replace into the Son of God. some people criticize, just to get a reaction, yet some, understand what they are conversing approximately. till ultimately you already know what each and each and each and each faith or denomination believes, it is going to be complicated to appreciate why they criticize. God Bless

No they don't. Just because they believe in something does not mean you should or have to. Why should you have to tip toe around your words during a conversation when they can blatantly say you are a sinner and going to hell, or whatever other bs they can think of off the top of their heads? They have been brainwashed by their religions to criticize and ridicule non-believers. In my opinion, stop caring what they think. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, and if they are against it that's their problem.

No, everyone of course has the right to criticize anything.

That judge is a prime example of the classic southern hillbilly psychology. The reason the Muslim got off easy is because people in the American South widely approve of violence provoked by an insult, that's by no means restricted to violence committed by Muslims.

I also don't mean to disparage all southerners, just the ones that think insults justify violence.

It goes both ways. I don't like it when Christians try to force their religion onto me but at the same time, I don't think it is appropriate for an Atheist to criticize another person's religion. Everyone needs to learn tolerance. In this particular case, I think it was wrong for someone to be physically attacked for insulting Mohammed but at the same time it was also wrong for that person to insult Mohammed.

I think it is good to respect everyone's opinion regardless of what they believe. I do not believe in forcing religion, or certain aspects of science on any human being. That is what America is all about. The right to choose. I do not have to give up my belief just because a person says, "God does not exist" or, "science proves it wrong."

If you are willing to believe in silly stories and live by the ridiculous rules and worship an invisible god who lets causes tremendous suffering, than you deserve no special attention from the rest of us who want to think for ourselves.

I don't go out of my way to laugh at them, but I am getting there.

No, the judge was wrong. If I lived in his jurisdiction, I'd be hard at work on a recall campaign. I hope the ACLU is all over this case.

I'd like to see the judge's written opinion in this case. Looks to me like his ruling is likely to be overturned on appeal.

No need to comment on any ethnic groups here -- it's long been a tradition in the USA to be free to criticize any religion, or even atheism. I support that legal tradition, and it looks like that judge does not.