The blasphemy challenge refers to an online campaign started in the mid-2000s that encouraged people to record videos of themselves denying or blaspheming the Holy Spirit, purportedly as an act of defiance against Christianity. The name comes from the biblical passage in Mark 3:29, which states: “but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”. This has been interpreted to mean that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an unforgivable sin.
The origins of the blasphemy challenge can be traced back to atheist groups and internet forums where the idea was proposed as a way to symbolically reject Christianity. The premise was that if Jesus or God did not strike the blasphemer down, it would prove they did not exist. The challenge gained notoriety when it was promoted by the Rational Response Squad, a group of atheist activists. They set up a website where people could submit videos of themselves committing supposed “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit”.
While the promoters framed it as an attempt to encourage free thinking and provoke debate, the blasphemy challenge was controversial even among secularists. Critics viewed it as an unnecessary attack on religion and needlessly offensive act. However, supporters maintained it was justified social commentary protected as free speech. Participants had a range of motivations, from atheist activism to simple teenage rebellion.
Most Christian leaders condemned the blasphemy challenge and warned about the dangers of mocking God. They disputed the idea that nothing happening after the blasphemy proved God’s non-existence. The Bible clearly teaches God is merciful and may choose not to immediately punish sinners. Additionally, verses such as Matthew 12:31 refer to obstinate, willful rejection of the Holy Spirit’s work in a person’s heart, not meaningless words alone.
Overall, while atheist groups succeeded in bringing public attention through the blasphemy challenge, it failed to disprove core Christian beliefs. Most participants were already skeptics, rather than believers tested. Christians view blasphemy as foolish disobedience, but emphasize God’s forgiveness for those who repent. The fact God bears with even such extreme sins points to his patience and love, contrary to the challenge’s intentions.
The Bible has important warnings about blasphemy that provide wisdom for Christians responding to such challenges:
– Exodus 20:7 – “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” This commandment forbids irreverent use of God’s name.
– Leviticus 24:16 – “Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him.” Under Old Testament law, blasphemy was punishable by death.
– Matthew 12:31-32 – “Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit’s work is grave.
– Mark 3:28-29 – “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.” This passage warns that blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is unforgivable.
– Acts 13:45 – “But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.” The Jews blasphemed Paul and the Gospel message he preached.
– 1 Timothy 1:13 – “though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief…” Paul confesses he was formerly a blasphemer before converted.
– James 2:7 – “Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?” This condemns slandering Christ’s name.
– Revelation 13:1, 5-6 – “And I saw a beast rising out of the sea…And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.” The coming Antichrist will blaspheme God.
– Revelation 16:9 – “They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.” Even in judgment, people blasphemed God.
In responding to blasphemy challenges, Christians must remember God’s command in Exodus 20:7 and avoid using the Lord’s name irreverently even when provoked. As 1 Peter 3:15-16 exhorts, believers should reply gently and respectfully, with reason and information, maintaining a clear conscience.
While blasphemy merits God’s wrath, Christ’s sacrifice makes redemption possible. Christians should pray even defiant unbelievers will repent and find salvation like Paul. In the end, God alone judges the heart and motives. Only He knows if a professing atheist truly rejects the Holy Spirit in their soul. Christians are called to overcome evil with grace, forgiving enemies and showing God’s love.