'Respect for the names of Jesus, Christ, and God in our films and tv shows'
 

A Baptist minister has created a petition to encourage respectful language in media

Sue Hensby, who is retired and a member of Park Road Baptist Church Peterborough, launched the petition in August on Change.org.

She said, 'I am concerned about the way that our Lord’s name is taken in vain on our TVs and in films and I have felt that God has been laying this on my heart for some time - so I have set up this petition via Change.org to see if by God’s grace I can gain enough support to get this changed. 

'I believe that as Baptists, regardless of the many different interpretations we may hold on various aspects of the Bible, one area that should unite all of us is that God's name should not be taken in vain.

'My aim is to encourage the respectful use of language in the media, TV and film, specifically with regard to the indiscriminate and totally unnecessary use of blasphemy.

'I would like to see the taking of my Lord's name in vain to be viewed as socially unacceptable in the same way that certain terms relating to a person’s skin colour or sexuality are now quite rightly frowned upon.

'If we as Christians do not stand up and lovingly challenge blasphemy on our TV screens and films, then we cannot blame wider society for this unwitting offence.'

Sue outlined the issue in more detail on the petition.

'As a devoted Christian, it deeply pains me every time I hear the name of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, used in media as an expletive or in a derogatory manner. This petition is not about converting people to Christianity, although it would bring me joy if individuals chose to explore the teachings of Jesus for themselves. 

'Instead, my plea is simple: respect. Respect for the names of Jesus, Christ, and God, which are frequently misused in television and films as vulgar expressions.'

The petition goes on to say:

'We live in a pluralistic society where respect for each other's beliefs is paramount for harmony and coexistence. I urge broadcasters, screenwriters, and producers to actively seek alternatives to portraying blasphemy in their works. By choosing language that respects all viewers, the industry can lead by example and promote a culture of mutual respect and understanding.

'Our request is not a large ask, but a crucial step towards ensuring that all individuals feel respected and valued when consuming media.'
 

The petition can be accessed here.