A group of Roman Catholics has applied India’s blasphemy laws against a man who describes himself as a rational atheist. A Catholic group has a statue of Jesus, and apparently the statue weeps. Water drips down the face of the Jesus statue, and people have described this as tears. They have begun drinking the “tear” water because they believe it has healing properties.

Weeping Jesus statues have been reported in many parts of the world, and they usually become pilgrimage sites for Catholics. The group in India is offended because an atheist has examined the statue, and according to him, the “tears” are leaking sewage. He believes people should not put the liquid in their mouths.

The Catholic group that owns the statue is offended, and they see the atheist’s claims as an attack on their religion. They have enforced religious blasphemy laws and the atheist might be sent to prison. To avoid legal problems, the investigating critic has moved far away to Finland, where he can’t be charged. He can be exonerated in India if he apologizes, but he won’t do that.

I believe the rational atheist is doing what the Christians are supposed to do. Nothing is true just because our belief is strong. We should investigate carefully: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1)