ASB green lights ‘Jesus – A Prophet of Islam’ campaign
Complaints made about a campaign for the religious group My Peace that ran with the words ‘Jesus – A Prophet of Islam’ have been dismissed by the Advertising Standards Bureau.
Complaints made against the ad included: “This billboard has specifically been designed in order to spark outrage and to offend Christians. This advertisement needs to be banned and removed immediately.”
The ads ran on billboards, public buses, bus shelters and websites.
The ASB noted that any religion has the right to advertise its beliefs provided that these ads do not discriminate against or vilify people in the community on account of their religion.
It’s provocative definitely! But of course it should not be banned. Perhaps the loony Christian groups should just put one up over the road the reads “Mohammed. Not a prophet of Christianity” or atheists saying “Jesus and Mohammed. Not messiahs just very naughty boys.”
I’m glad that the islamic community is finally addressing the lack of understanding most Australians have about Islam.
But to really get the message out there I’d love to hear their ads on 2GB!
I’m (nominally) a Christian and I’m not even remotely offended by this. If anything, it just adds weight to the belief that there was something special about Jesus of Nazareth.
I am an atheist, agnostic, infidel and any other non-theistic denomination yet I see why this would offend people. I am not sure if it will achieve any peaceful objectives or simply stir up a fundamental few into retaliation. As we know, people respond to perceived provocation in many ways but few by engaging in open discussions.
Religion is one of those topics that people take way too seriously and that everyone is convinced they have got right (including me). There is therefore no point in trying to convince groups otherwise and certainly not insult them.
Who’s got a ladder so that I can rip the other half off, in the name of the Spaghetti Monster?
Marc
I agree with Marc. I’m an at atheist but view this as a very aggressive act aimed at provoking an angry reaction. It’s not motivated by a desire for peace and understanding, that’s for sure.
I see this billboard as a peace symbol. I love it really. What difference does it really make being a Christian or a Muslin? How extremist one is there lies the problem, then doesn’t really matter if one is Christian, Buddhist or Muslim.
I am a Christian and so at first I saw this as provocative, but on second thought I can see how it is positive.
As one who knows the Quran, I can tell how Eisa (Jesus in Islam) has several differences from the Jesus of the Gospels. For example in the Quran Eisa did not die and rise again…was not the Son of God, was the grandson of Imran and nephew of Aaron…and several other differences.
This Billboard will by necessity raise questions in the mind of Muslims themselves as to who “really” Jesus is…and as a Christian this is a welcome thing.
Muslims need Jesus.
Ron
For Christians to be screaming about this is ridiculous. Islam DOES see Jesus as a prophet- the billboards show the similarities between the religions and should be seen as a bridge. If anyone should be screaming it’s the terrorists trying to use Islam to justify their actions.
I’m nominally Anglican, but organised religion is becoming more and more extremist and foreign to the teachings of Jesus for my liking. Whatever happened to “let he who is without sin cast the first stone” and “love you neighbour” ?
I think a fix for religious advertising of any sort would be to mandate a regulatory warning like what is in place for cigarette packaging… Ie ‘Warning: may contain fiction’, or ‘Warning: religious belief causes prejudice and intolerance’. From there I have no problem what any religious billboard / sign / ad promotes.
It is not like Muslims have brought in a revised version of the Quran to pronounce Jesus as a prophet. Islam has always seen Jesus as a prophet and without faith in Jesus a person cannot be a Muslim.
How come erectile dysfunction sprays can’t advertise because they are clearly a fake, a con and aimed solely at the gullible, but religions can?
Hi Anonymous, Funny you mention 2GB – here is a clip from yesterday of Diaa Mohamed (MyPeace) and Ian Powell (from the Christian response, AussieChristians) chatting with Ben Fordham on 2GB – http://bit.ly/lHC1KD
#11 Keith
Spot on. Pity no-one in the establishment seems to be listening to reality.
We are making to much out of nothing. Concept of religion was good but went out of control. For last 2000 years or more, killing in the name of god is OK. God will always will be on the killer’s side. What a shame.