nonblasphemous

Nonblasphemous is an adjective used to describe language, art, or actions that do not show irreverence toward sacred beliefs, persons, or institutions as defined by a particular religious tradition. It denotes the absence of blasphemy, though what counts as blasphemous can vary across communities and over time.

Word formation and etymology: the prefix non- negates blasphemous; the term in English is commonly written as nonblasphemous, though some writers prefer the hyphenated non-blasphemous. The base blasphemous comes from Old French blasme, from Late Latin blasphēmia, and ultimately from Greek blasphēmia, meaning injury or insulting treatment of the sacred.

Usage and nuance: in religious studies, media guidelines, or content moderation, nonblasphemous may classify content that avoids sacred offense. It is less common in everyday speech, and many writers use phrases such as “not blasphemous” instead. Because perceptions of blasphemy are culturally contingent, labeling something nonblasphemous can reflect normative judgments tied to a particular tradition or context.

Examples: a respectful discussion of religious themes; an objective historical account of religious practices; a critique of religious institutions that avoids targeting sacred beliefs.

See also: blasphemy, blasphemous, profanity, sacred, content moderation.