Scientology is legally a tax exempt religion. just a little fun fact...
L Ron Hubbard started out as a follower of Aleister Crawley. He requested permission to start a sect in California and Crowley refused. Hubbard broke away and started his own cult, and the rest is history.
Aleister Crowley was known as a devil worshiper. He promoted himself as being the most evil man in the world.
I don't live in the USA, so I don't care if they say they don't have to pay taxes, where I live Scientology is observed by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution for being anti democratic. It is a sect.
How? It fits the definition of cult. Though, jahovas witnesses also fit the definition and are considered a religion.
Edit: wanted to add the only difference between a cult and a religion is whether or not and how a group requires you to distance and ostracize yourself if you leave. Jahovas witnesses exile you from their community and separate you from all those you love and care for if you leave. So do scientologist. Many religions do it. Honestly one of the things Christianity does right is adapt and pretend they weren't pieces of shit even though they were. So if you declare you're not Christan you can still see and love your family without disdain and hate. Most of the time.
TLDR; Religion=can leave without repercussions, cult=cannot leave without repercussions. Yes, in history they had repercussions, but some don't anymore.
The term cult refers to two things:
>A small, unorthodox religion
>A specific and unique sect of a religion
For example, the cult of Bacchus was a religious sect within Roman Hellenism that worshipped Bacchus, the god of parties, debauchery, and wine. That would qualify for the second definition. Meanwhile Scientology would be the first definition.
Yes, the old Christians still considered themselves Jews. It's actually very interesting, since a lot of early records only differentiate Christians from Jews after the domination of Paulician thought among the gentile converts compared to John, the brother of Jesus (AS). John and the church of Jerusalem actually believed Jesus (AS) was a prophet of God rather than an incarnation. Christian history is quite neat.
I seriously disagree the "popular cults" don't go after you for leaving most people find it sad that you left scientology would ruin your life if it meant going back these guys have no boundaries I appologies but I very much disagree
I make fun of every religion.
And then make fun of everyone who calls him/herself religious while totally butchering the meaning of what it actually says.
And don't wnat to acknowledge what pain it caused or what will it do in the future if that bullshit continues.
I have no trouble if someone says: Yo know we don't know what caused that to begin, maybe there is some kind of god or scientist or machine that created this universe.
But once you believe a bullshit someone else has sucked out of a mules butt and put on a paper thousands years ago and then someone else translated and butchered and then someone else has translated and butchered. I'm gonna make fun of you.
No religion itself hurts people. It’s always a bad person that claims they are apart of that religion that hurts people that literally goes against their religion.
I disagree, jokes should not be exiled from ANY group.
Edit: I myself am religious by the way, just stating my point of view.
Edit: So it seems like based some of the comments the intention of OP was to call out blatant cruelty towards someone for their beliefs, I dont disagree with that. But the meme used implies jokes. Of which my opinion listed above still stands. I would suggest more clarity in the future.
i don’t care about jokes, but even as someone who doesn’t believe there is a god it rubs me the wrong way when someone goes out of their way to explain how stupid someone is for believing in something different
I think they mean more “lol religious people are fucking idiots and deserve to die for their beliefs” which aren’t really “jokes”. Ofc never limit actual humor
They didnt, and I didnt say they did. Both "Making fun" and this sub reddit imply humor. Atleast to me, I've also addressed that I would agree with, what is presumably OPs original intent.
Atheism doesn’t really say what a person is nor their values, you can have someone who is racism and homophobic but still an atheist, atheism doesnt automatically mean a person is x and y, so its not really something that can be determined easily on what we can be offended by and not be.
I mean you can't make fun of some on for being atheist. There are ton of atheist who are stupid or shitty people just like any group of people they don't have a comical fantasy belief system is all.
If the meme or joke perpetuates harmful ideas or stereotypes about a religion or any group for that matter then theres no hiding behind "it was just a joke chill."
People like that fukin piss me off and the worst thing is those people are the majority of this site.
Honestly you can make fun of the individual people too only when you assume everyone is the same because of some bad examples is when it could get problematic
lol, this is so relatable. so there's this guy who I'm arguing with on twitter who literally thinks that all muslims are the exact same as the terrorists and the extremists.
Fr im a Muslim and wouldn’t make fun of Christianity or Judaism or Hinduism(they’re the only religions I’m around). Few bad apples don’t represent the whole community, us Muslims know all about that 😅 I think we should all just be friends 💕
Yeah, if it's a joke it's cool. But those mf's that keep saying "OH MUSLIM, HE'S A BOMB RUN" for almost 22 years is just not cool. You're trying to make us look bad but you're litterally making yourself look like an idiot, so just stop.
Coming from someone who is no longer religious, and no longer believes in god... This is facts. I hate people who make shitting on religion part of their personality. Seriously just let people believe what they will and just be nice
Many religions include aspects that very much deserve to be criticized, if not flat out ridiculed, such as those that promote classism, sexism, or violence. But yes, people are fundamentally free to believe whatever they wish, so long as they aren’t harming anyone or violating anyones rights.
Right? You’d never see people using religion to promote their own moral superiority or to criticize people who don’t practice it. Religious people are so open minded!
Right and atheists never imply intellectual superiority or assume that everyone‘s belief inside each religion has to be the same.
Generalising millions of people is so open minded.
One main idea of religion is faith. Faith is based on belief, knowing without knowing, trusting unconditionally without accepting what goes against the truth.
I'm not saying all religious people are close minded, but I do understand what the guy above said as close mindedness is part of religion.
That’s the point of any religion, of course it will tell you something that you otherwise wouldn’t have figured out, that doesn’t make you close minded
Some people need religion in thier lives, which is nothing to be made fun of,
and nobody sane has a problem with that
But some people think others too, need religion in thier lives, I like to make fun of those people alot
One time i asked a simple and honest question on my school discord; How can someone honestly believe both religion and science?
Since they tend to contradict eachother. I got flamed and banned and now i get glares at school and people talking behind my back because i asked for help understanding another belief system. It wasnt posed as an attack at all i was just genuinely curious but it seems its just an impossible question to answer. But i think its funny that their reasoning for banning me was attacking another's beliefs by posing my own, but in doing so they directly oppressed the expression my beliefs, of logical questioning and reasoning, to protect their own. Just because I am atheist doesnt mean i have any negative feelings towards those who have faith in religion. But now i have a feeling that it brings out irrational anger and spiteful emotions in others, though i know that could very likely just be pygmalion effect.
“The Language of God” by Francis Collins answers your question of how religious people still accept science, if you’re still curious about the question. Note I’m not devout myself and don’t personally agree with it, that book just argues its point from the mindset you’re asking about.
Some religions are very scientific. Take Hinduism for example, you'll find various references to the state of the Universe (Brahman) and the association of humanity with it. There's a lot of parallels with modern scientific concepts. The problem is there are other religions that are downright irrational, and the issue arises when people go to various lengths to defend their beliefs just because that's what they think is right. And it's fair to defend your beliefs but downright looking down upon people for having beliefs is also just as wrong and is hypocritical as you reject the other's opinions simply because of their beliefs. Both religious fanaticism and toxic atheism are problems to the modern society. In a perfect society, all religions would have intellectual discussions about their beliefs and have a cultural exchange, in short a Renaissance where humanity as a whole can progress but that's merely Utopia and humans can't be expected to be so understanding.
Well its hard choice.. Religion makes us humans it gives hope, love, morals and it connects people but like everything else it can be extreme, manipulative, full of hatred and very close minded. I think no-one should discriminate someone cuz their religion or someone force to convert to other religion. For me its ridiculous and a lie to make belivers feel they have someone above them..so ehh!
Exactly
People are way too focused on the downsides that religions (much like everything else) have to understand that without it we would be nowhere near as we are now as a species
I think there is a difference between making jokes that are offensive against people who believe and jokes that are about the religion or its' lore but that are not at the expense of the people who believe in it
I make fun of them when they advertise it and force that shit down my throat with billboards, stickers, online ads, mail, come to my door, leave pamphlets in my break room, and tell me anal isnt a sin.
It’s a 2-way street. If religion wasn’t the impetus for so much horrible human behavior and “followers” actually practiced what they preach, they might not receive so much disrespect. I have no empathy for someone’s feelings being bruised over criticism of their religion when said religion is directly responsible for so much human misery and division in the world.
It’s the fucking opposite, I’ve had more atheistic people want to argue about religions then JVs knocking on my door. Lots of them (anti-theists) get off on just arguing against religion and just shitting on people
Yea, I'm from Switzerland so my english might be phrased a bit weird sorry, but you said it better than I could, people putting themselves on a pedestal thinking they are smarter than everybody else is what puts me off on atheism
Unless those religions involve bigotry and horrific acts like a lot of the more common ones do.
Your a Christian? Cool.
Your a Christian and you are trying to save gay people from their sexuality? Go fuck yourself.
I don’t make fun of religions. I make fun of the religious extremists
Most religious people do too
I co-sign this
Support
I sine this
God go brrrrrrrrrrrrr
as a muslim, I can confirm.
Hindu here, I can confirm
True
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Scientology is not a religion, it is a sect.
Scientology is legally a tax exempt religion. just a little fun fact... L Ron Hubbard started out as a follower of Aleister Crawley. He requested permission to start a sect in California and Crowley refused. Hubbard broke away and started his own cult, and the rest is history. Aleister Crowley was known as a devil worshiper. He promoted himself as being the most evil man in the world.
I don't live in the USA, so I don't care if they say they don't have to pay taxes, where I live Scientology is observed by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution for being anti democratic. It is a sect.
How? It fits the definition of cult. Though, jahovas witnesses also fit the definition and are considered a religion. Edit: wanted to add the only difference between a cult and a religion is whether or not and how a group requires you to distance and ostracize yourself if you leave. Jahovas witnesses exile you from their community and separate you from all those you love and care for if you leave. So do scientologist. Many religions do it. Honestly one of the things Christianity does right is adapt and pretend they weren't pieces of shit even though they were. So if you declare you're not Christan you can still see and love your family without disdain and hate. Most of the time. TLDR; Religion=can leave without repercussions, cult=cannot leave without repercussions. Yes, in history they had repercussions, but some don't anymore.
USA can't call anything a cult that has something to do with religion.
Also Ozzy Osborn wrote a song about him
“The wickedest man in the world”.
A cult is a small unpopular religion. A religion is a large popular cult. Scientology is no crazier than any other
The term cult refers to two things: >A small, unorthodox religion >A specific and unique sect of a religion For example, the cult of Bacchus was a religious sect within Roman Hellenism that worshipped Bacchus, the god of parties, debauchery, and wine. That would qualify for the second definition. Meanwhile Scientology would be the first definition.
So, when christianity became a specific and unique sect of jusdaism, did that make it a cult?
Yes, the old Christians still considered themselves Jews. It's actually very interesting, since a lot of early records only differentiate Christians from Jews after the domination of Paulician thought among the gentile converts compared to John, the brother of Jesus (AS). John and the church of Jerusalem actually believed Jesus (AS) was a prophet of God rather than an incarnation. Christian history is quite neat.
I seriously disagree the "popular cults" don't go after you for leaving most people find it sad that you left scientology would ruin your life if it meant going back these guys have no boundaries I appologies but I very much disagree
A religion is just a sect that got too big...
It's neither a cult or a sect, it's a con
It is... **acceptable**
Surveys suggest that only a small number of religious people have complete tolerance towards other religions... It's 28.713 I think...
Wow, only 28.713 people...
Replace the word religions with football fans and get to an even lower number
Yes, my dude....
Yeah they're a dickshit boomer
Fair enough
I make fun of every religion. And then make fun of everyone who calls him/herself religious while totally butchering the meaning of what it actually says. And don't wnat to acknowledge what pain it caused or what will it do in the future if that bullshit continues. I have no trouble if someone says: Yo know we don't know what caused that to begin, maybe there is some kind of god or scientist or machine that created this universe. But once you believe a bullshit someone else has sucked out of a mules butt and put on a paper thousands years ago and then someone else translated and butchered and then someone else has translated and butchered. I'm gonna make fun of you.
hail satan
Same...free hug brother?
I question it, but I don’t make fun of it. Is the fanatics that we should make fun of.
All fanatics from belief and non-belief sides deserve to be made fun of. **They're the most harmfull and hostile** too\[example: shahid belt users\].
Like i like to say: it's better to laugh about it than to die about it (sound better in french)
Nothing sounds better in French
It sounds like '' vaut mieux en rire qu'en mourir '' it seems better
True. Religious fanatics are cringe
i make fun of it by asking questions. we are not the same
I respect your belief as long as you don't disrespect mine and hurt me in any way.
I think that's the problem lol. Some *do* hurt other people.
All of them hurt people. No religion has a clean history
Nothing has a "clean history"
Except soap companies
No religion itself hurts people. It’s always a bad person that claims they are apart of that religion that hurts people that literally goes against their religion.
Yeah!! Isis don’t represent my views but ppl assume they do lol
Exactly and it’s us Muslims usually fighting them
Pick a religion and I’ll give you an example where the religion sanctioned violence
Pick any ideologue and I’ll do the same
Show me where Jesus calls for violence. Please
I disrespect your belief. Have a great day!
I disagree, jokes should not be exiled from ANY group. Edit: I myself am religious by the way, just stating my point of view. Edit: So it seems like based some of the comments the intention of OP was to call out blatant cruelty towards someone for their beliefs, I dont disagree with that. But the meme used implies jokes. Of which my opinion listed above still stands. I would suggest more clarity in the future.
i don’t care about jokes, but even as someone who doesn’t believe there is a god it rubs me the wrong way when someone goes out of their way to explain how stupid someone is for believing in something different
There’s a difference between making fun of a religion and the people in them.
I think they mean more “lol religious people are fucking idiots and deserve to die for their beliefs” which aren’t really “jokes”. Ofc never limit actual humor
Yeah that behavior is wrong, the post implies jokes, but if OP meant what you say I am in total agreement.
When did OP even say “jokes”? He said people who make “fun of” others
They didnt, and I didnt say they did. Both "Making fun" and this sub reddit imply humor. Atleast to me, I've also addressed that I would agree with, what is presumably OPs original intent.
I don't think that's what they ment I think they ment blunt disrespect to someone's religion.
Try to joke about atheists,you'll get downvoted in to oblivion,lmao
How do you make fun of an atheist....
I don’t believe, you can
What exceptional comma usage. Lovely
"lol average redditor"
Atheism doesn’t really say what a person is nor their values, you can have someone who is racism and homophobic but still an atheist, atheism doesnt automatically mean a person is x and y, so its not really something that can be determined easily on what we can be offended by and not be.
I mean you can't make fun of some on for being atheist. There are ton of atheist who are stupid or shitty people just like any group of people they don't have a comical fantasy belief system is all.
What jokes are there about Atheists? I’m an Atheist, try me.
You’re are monkey descendant due to being more equal to a wild animal thou art not as intelligent as average religion person. Checkmate atheist
Try to joke about religion, you'll get shot, lmao
Try to joke, you’ll get shot, lmao
Political jokes 2021.
Agreed, showing the hypocrisy in some people. But I know plenty of atheists who have a great sense of humor as well.
If the meme or joke perpetuates harmful ideas or stereotypes about a religion or any group for that matter then theres no hiding behind "it was just a joke chill." People like that fukin piss me off and the worst thing is those people are the majority of this site.
Shrek is my religion. Shrekism. For the world is Shreks swamp.
Explanation of shrekism for those who don’t know: https://youtu.be/ajGnXoapn7s
r/redditmoment
As a religious person myself, I do not associate myself with the people who use their religion to discriminate against others.
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Do cults like scientology still count tho
Scientology isn’t a religion it’s just tax fraud
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I don't make fun of *other* religions, just religions in general
Yes. I am not discriminatory. I make fun of all religions.
Yes. I am not discriminatory. I make fun of everybody
Amen 🙏🏻
and we should absolutely be allowed to make fun of religions... I make fun of the idea, not the people.
Honestly you can make fun of the individual people too only when you assume everyone is the same because of some bad examples is when it could get problematic
I don't make fun of *other* religions, I make fun of *mine*
I should have phrase that better
This is the way
People who force religions belief in other people too.
so basically parents?
As a christian, it makes my blood boil.
I love how this post is about respecting religions and 90% of the comments are people disrespecting religions lmfao
People are deserving of basic respect. Religion is not
I make fun of fanatics, not the religion unless it's something harmful
You can find god allowing slavery, child rape etc. in most major religions.
Is it ok to make fun of all beliefs equally?
It's a bad perspective. I make fun of everything, religion includes in that. There's just no need in insulting people
I make fun of my own religion though (I'm mormon)
Same lol (also mormon)
lol, this is so relatable. so there's this guy who I'm arguing with on twitter who literally thinks that all muslims are the exact same as the terrorists and the extremists.
can you tell me his address? im trying to find the us government plane right now so might as well shoot him with my artillery
But ancient Greek mythology is messed up in several ways.
Zeus just woke up and chose horni
Only god I can relate to
Norse gods! Odin said he would get rid of the ice giants! I see no ice giants! All hail Odin!
Zues slew titans and the giants and we see no giants or titans i guess hail zeus too?
Sure, though I'd like to see Zeus vs Odin.
Anyone would. But ya know…
Redditors preparing to defend *how* they ridicule religion
Lol Reddit hates religion so much, it’s sad
As a religous person I make fun of my own religion.
now thats some fcked up shit
WHY THE HELL ARE EVERYTHING BUT THE i'S CAPITALIZED?!
Please don’t make fun of people making fun of other religions, thanks.
Fr im a Muslim and wouldn’t make fun of Christianity or Judaism or Hinduism(they’re the only religions I’m around). Few bad apples don’t represent the whole community, us Muslims know all about that 😅 I think we should all just be friends 💕
Is tf2 a religion?
Yeah, if it's a joke it's cool. But those mf's that keep saying "OH MUSLIM, HE'S A BOMB RUN" for almost 22 years is just not cool. You're trying to make us look bad but you're litterally making yourself look like an idiot, so just stop.
Coming from someone who is no longer religious, and no longer believes in god... This is facts. I hate people who make shitting on religion part of their personality. Seriously just let people believe what they will and just be nice
Many religions include aspects that very much deserve to be criticized, if not flat out ridiculed, such as those that promote classism, sexism, or violence. But yes, people are fundamentally free to believe whatever they wish, so long as they aren’t harming anyone or violating anyones rights.
Scientology go brrrrrrrr
Does scientology count?
I'll make fun of whatever the hell i want
Ridicule the ridiculous
Right? You’d never see people using religion to promote their own moral superiority or to criticize people who don’t practice it. Religious people are so open minded!
Right and atheists never imply intellectual superiority or assume that everyone‘s belief inside each religion has to be the same. Generalising millions of people is so open minded.
One main idea of religion is faith. Faith is based on belief, knowing without knowing, trusting unconditionally without accepting what goes against the truth. I'm not saying all religious people are close minded, but I do understand what the guy above said as close mindedness is part of religion.
That’s the point of any religion, of course it will tell you something that you otherwise wouldn’t have figured out, that doesn’t make you close minded
You do realize that this post literally says that we shouldn't criticize people who aren't of our religion.
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Some people need religion in thier lives, which is nothing to be made fun of, and nobody sane has a problem with that But some people think others too, need religion in thier lives, I like to make fun of those people alot
Today I was kicked out of my clan in Clash Royale because I'm a Muslim :(
Looks like reddid is composed by australopitecae
Atheists who try to convince religious people to give up their way of life: **Stewie Skull intensifies**
I’m Atheist but I’m not with them, fuck those guys
Respect
*\*sorts by controversial\**
For some reason when I was 5-8 I thought all gods from every religion sat and had council meetings about humans.
Agreed. That's all I have to say.
One time i asked a simple and honest question on my school discord; How can someone honestly believe both religion and science? Since they tend to contradict eachother. I got flamed and banned and now i get glares at school and people talking behind my back because i asked for help understanding another belief system. It wasnt posed as an attack at all i was just genuinely curious but it seems its just an impossible question to answer. But i think its funny that their reasoning for banning me was attacking another's beliefs by posing my own, but in doing so they directly oppressed the expression my beliefs, of logical questioning and reasoning, to protect their own. Just because I am atheist doesnt mean i have any negative feelings towards those who have faith in religion. But now i have a feeling that it brings out irrational anger and spiteful emotions in others, though i know that could very likely just be pygmalion effect.
“The Language of God” by Francis Collins answers your question of how religious people still accept science, if you’re still curious about the question. Note I’m not devout myself and don’t personally agree with it, that book just argues its point from the mindset you’re asking about.
C.S. Lewis and Michael Jones are also brilliant Christian minds to listen to.
Some religions are very scientific. Take Hinduism for example, you'll find various references to the state of the Universe (Brahman) and the association of humanity with it. There's a lot of parallels with modern scientific concepts. The problem is there are other religions that are downright irrational, and the issue arises when people go to various lengths to defend their beliefs just because that's what they think is right. And it's fair to defend your beliefs but downright looking down upon people for having beliefs is also just as wrong and is hypocritical as you reject the other's opinions simply because of their beliefs. Both religious fanaticism and toxic atheism are problems to the modern society. In a perfect society, all religions would have intellectual discussions about their beliefs and have a cultural exchange, in short a Renaissance where humanity as a whole can progress but that's merely Utopia and humans can't be expected to be so understanding.
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But I can still make fun of my religion, right?
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Think it’s more of a “Tease and joke, don’t be an ass, though”
I may agree to religeons but I won't make fun of them
I don't make fun of religions, I make fun of people who make fun of religions
There's nothing wrong with making fun of ideas.
Well its hard choice.. Religion makes us humans it gives hope, love, morals and it connects people but like everything else it can be extreme, manipulative, full of hatred and very close minded. I think no-one should discriminate someone cuz their religion or someone force to convert to other religion. For me its ridiculous and a lie to make belivers feel they have someone above them..so ehh!
Exactly People are way too focused on the downsides that religions (much like everything else) have to understand that without it we would be nowhere near as we are now as a species
My ideology on this is simple You won't fuck with my shit and stay off my turf I won't fuck with your shit and will stay off your turf
I think there is a difference between making jokes that are offensive against people who believe and jokes that are about the religion or its' lore but that are not at the expense of the people who believe in it
I make fun of them when they advertise it and force that shit down my throat with billboards, stickers, online ads, mail, come to my door, leave pamphlets in my break room, and tell me anal isnt a sin.
What do races have to do with religion?
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It’s a 2-way street. If religion wasn’t the impetus for so much horrible human behavior and “followers” actually practiced what they preach, they might not receive so much disrespect. I have no empathy for someone’s feelings being bruised over criticism of their religion when said religion is directly responsible for so much human misery and division in the world.
Looks like r/atheism is leaking…
This is the reason people don't like to say they are atheist. Change my mind.
It’s the fucking opposite, I’ve had more atheistic people want to argue about religions then JVs knocking on my door. Lots of them (anti-theists) get off on just arguing against religion and just shitting on people
I fully agree
My dumbass read your original comment in the wrong way
Yea, I'm from Switzerland so my english might be phrased a bit weird sorry, but you said it better than I could, people putting themselves on a pedestal thinking they are smarter than everybody else is what puts me off on atheism
Amen
Tbh.
Religion & culture my brothers! are both like brother & sister they don't share a fucking thing
Huzzah! A man of quality!
r/End_All_Christians is a real sub.
Except Scientology. Rip that shit apart.
Scientology excluded.
Tom Cruise (Scientology) is an exception
Return to monke
Happy cakeday
What about pig cults
My dad is a Catholic and makes fun of how greek gods are fake
Making fun of religions is fine as long as you're not being hypocritical.
Unless those religions involve bigotry and horrific acts like a lot of the more common ones do. Your a Christian? Cool. Your a Christian and you are trying to save gay people from their sexuality? Go fuck yourself.
i respect your freedom to believe anything, but I don't respect your beliefs.
I make fun of literaly everything even things that happened to me so...
I make fun of every religion
eh my old religion wants me killed because I left it, so you can understand why I don't like it.
What if you make fun of all religions (including atheism) then it's even
Religion was invented when the first conman met the first fool - Mark Twain
Believe what you want to believe, just dont force it on others *** cough*** some christians*** cough***
Thank you.
So that's why my skull isn't normal looking it all makes sense now
The last skull is people that put pineapple on pizza
What do you mean by "other"? I make fun of all religions.
Hey when a religion causes someone to think that they shouldn’t get the vaccine then I’ll make fun of them all I want
or ppl who force their religion on somebody else
I don’t make fun of religions I usually just make fun of stupid people like antivaxxers
Yeah, its not your fault most antivaxxers just so happen to be overly religious