But it is not civil to attack a religion by trying to degrade its symbols. It's also interesting to consider one of the primary stereotypes that the secular world uses when it encounters people of faith. This theory postulates that Christianity, and religion in general, thrives in less-educated, impoverished and rural settings. The idea is that religion is more capable of manipulation and control without the presence of educational enlightenment, often with artificial contrivances and appeals to fear. Anti-Christian sentiments are not based in fact or logic, but owe their existence to baser human emotions.
Believers can expect open and honest argument about their doctrines and social teachings.
But it is not civil to attack a religion by trying to degrade its symbols. Prejudice Unchecked History is filled with examples of what happens when abuse and prejudice are left unchecked. The usual pattern is that the social fabric is tested incrementally until a weak link is found. Unless bigotry is met with the equal and opposite force of unrelenting love, the ugliness of hatred overpowers all that stand in its path. We should never forget the lesson of the Holocaust as we consider our response to unchecked attacks against decency and freedom of religion.