Many do it from mere inconsiderateness. It is sometimes indulged in
from the wish to please. Mockery of religious persons and things is
so palatable to many that there is great temptation to it. More
frequently it originates in the rooted hostility of the carnal mind
against all earnest religion. Mockery is the most annoying form of
attack; it is most keenly felt; it is most difficult to answer. It
serves the purpose when argument fails. One grinning Voltaire may do
more execution than many reasoning Humes. Many a time since the days
of Nehemiah have Sanballat and his Samaritans mocked the builders of
the wall of Jerusalem.