Are there topics you shouldn’t be allowed to discuss? Some governments and institutions — and even some individuals — want to keep certain topics off limits, like health care, for instance.

This is especially true with religion. In many places, discussions and questions about religion are discouraged, even punished. But how can we come to our own conclusions about religion if we can’t freely examine and discuss it?

To encourage free expression and to celebrate Blasphemy Day 2009 (Sept. 30), the Center for Inquiry and its sister organization, the Council for Secular Humanism, are sponsoring a Blasphemy Contest.

Blasphemy: n. the act of denying or scoffing at God or God’s alleged attributes.

To enter, all you have to do is create a phrase, poem or statement that would be or would have been considered blasphemous. Entries may take any form (haiku anyone?), but must be 20 words or less. The top five winners will receive CFI T-shirts with their submission printed on the shirt.

In addition to the shirt, the first place winner will also receive a mug imprinted with the winning phrase, recognition in Free Inquiry magazine, general publicity, and, naturally, eternal damnation.

Submit entries to blasphemycontest@centerforinquiry.net. Details and contest rules may be found on the Campaign for Free Expression Web site.

DEADLINE: ONE WEEK
Entries must be received by midnight, October 1, 2009.