What is the blasphemy challenge?

Answer

The “blasphemy challenge” is an internet-based project that began in December 2006. It encourages young individuals to upload videos to Youtube or other video hosting platforms, in which they blaspheme or deny the existence of the Holy Spirit. The first 1001 participants of the blasphemy challenge received a DVD of Flemming’s film “The God Who Wasn’t There.” Notable atheists like Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett, and Penn Jillette were involved in this initiative. The Rational Response Squad, a group of atheists established by Brian Sapient and Rook Hawkins, is behind this project.

Central to the challenge is the Rational Response Squad’s interpretation of the so-called unpardonable sin, specifically blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (see Mark 3:28-29 and Matthew 12:30-32). Participants in the challenge believed they were crossing a point of no return and were willing to “face the consequences” if the Christian God truly exists.

While blaspheming the Holy Spirit is considered a sin, the “blasphemy challenge” misconstrues the nature of the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit/unpardonable sin. Denying the existence of the Holy Spirit does not constitute the unpardonable sin. Uttering disrespectful words towards the Holy Spirit is also not the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. According to biblical teachings, the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit involved witnessing Jesus perform a miracle and attributing that power to Satan instead of the Holy Spirit. This specific blasphemy, the unpardonable sin, cannot be committed in modern times. The sole unpardonable sin today is rejecting salvation through Jesus Christ with a hardened heart. While God can forgive any sin, His offer of forgiveness is only valid during one’s lifetime.

In conclusion, the blasphemy challenge is essentially a provocative initiative that seeks to challenge traditional beliefs and provoke discussion.

It is merely a declaration that an individual is so certain that God does not exist that he or she is ready to take a chance by committing a sin that the Bible states God will not pardon. The issue lies in the Rational Response Squad misunderstanding the meaning of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and underestimating the depth of God’s love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Despite how absurd, risky, and imprudent the blasphemy challenge may be, the participants are not engaging in an unpardonable sin. God is capable of and willing to pardon the blasphemy challenge, just as He is willing to forgive any other transgression. Seeking Forgiveness?

Romans 1:21-22 accurately portrays the Rational Response Squad: “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools…”