Right to protest at offensive play

by Letters Editor · October 24, 2013

From David Nash, Cape Town

We must be careful in being too �careful in how we protest� a blasphemy such as the immodest and vulgar play The Testament of Mary, a vile defamation of Our Blessed Mother (October 9).

“Experience shows that one blasphemy ignored invites another. Anti-religious hatred is neither stopped nor softened with compromise.”(CNS photo/Mohsin Raza, Reuters)

While praying in reparation for this offensive blasphemy, it would be illogical not to call for its immediate end. True charity endeavours to stop the sin and convert the sinner. If not possible, it seeks at the very least to halt the evil being committed. This was the sentiment of well over one thousand signatories to the petition calling for the play�s closure.

We protest not because we might encounter it arbitrarily (we might not encounter pornography for hire, but we still

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oppose its availability). Not because it is our personal belief. Not because we are offended or threatened. Rather, we protest because it offends God directly, and does so in public, irrespective of how limited the exposure. If the theatre were empty at every performance, it would still constitute an offence against Almighty God, worthy of protest.

We cannot �engage with the world� on its terms, dictated by militant secularism and open mockery of God and the Church. It hides behind the sophistry of �artistic licence� or man-made �rights� which generally favour anti-religious elements, seldom real freedom for the Church.

God�s rights precede man�s. His rights impose on us, his creatures, obligations. The first commandment tells us this. It is both licit and necessary to use every legal and peaceful means to defend them.

Experience shows that one blasphemy ignored invites another. Anti-religious hatred is neither stopped nor softened with compromise.

Strong resistance from good people is effective. New York�s ongoing protests reduced this play’s show time from six weeks to two!

We can never hope to �convey the beauty of our faith and the joy of meeting Christ� if we are to care so little as not to protest vigorously wherever it is attacked, especially with such vulgarity.