Christianity
Islam
Judaism
Hinduism
Buddhism
Blasphemy & Sacred Speech
Speaking irreverently about God, sacred texts, or holy persons is treated with grave seriousness across traditions. Blasphemy laws in religious codes reflect the conviction that the sacred must be protected from profanation, while also raising questions about the limits of speech and freedom of conscience.
Across the World's Religions
Christianity
- Practice
- Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit — the unforgivable sin
- Key Text
- Matthew 12:31-32; Mark 3:29
Islam
- Practice
- Sabb Allah / Sabb al-Rasul — blasphemy against God or Prophet
- Key Text
- Quran 9:74, 33:57
Judaism
- Practice
- Birkat HaShem — cursing the divine Name is capital offense
- Key Text
- Leviticus 24:10-16; Exodus 22:27
Hinduism
- Practice
- Nindana — blasphemy against deities or saints condemned
- Key Text
- Bhagavad Gita 16:18; Narada Bhakti Sutra 74
Buddhism
- Practice
- Disrespecting the Triple Gem as grave unwholesome action
- Key Text
- AN 5.129; Milindapanha 4.1.1