Atheist Comedian Ricky Gervais Poses as Jesus in 'Blasphemous' Mag Cover

It's no secret that Ricky Gervais is an atheist. And it's no secret that he's controversial. But the comedian who became popular as the main character in the British version of "The Office" may have gone too far with his latest magazine cover. That's because Gervais irreverently poses as Jesus Christ.

That may not sound too bad initially, especially considering imitation is the highest form of flattery. But when you see the cover for the British magazine "New Humanist,' which includes Gervais wearing a crown, strung up on a microphone stand, bare-chested, and the word "atheist" scratched across his chest, your opinion may change:

"Inside you'll find our interview with Gervais, in which he discusses his new show Life's Too Short, offence ('You have the right to be offended, and I have the right to offend you. But no one has the right to never be offended') and losing his childhood faith," the magazine explains.

The blog Friendly Atheist calls it "blasphemous" (perhaps in support) and explains the origin of the photo:

Remember how comedian Ricky Gervaissubmitted a picture of himself, dressed as a clown with a gun in his mouth, for the cover of Rolling Stone? They rejected it because it was “too offensive” and Gervais said he didn’t even bother to submit his second choice: himself, shirtless, holding a mic stand as if he were nailed to a crucifix.

Rolling Stone may have said no, but New Humanist magazine said yes! The UK publication will be using that second image for its September/October issue.

While it's true what Gervais says, that he has a "right" to offend, do you think he's gone too far? And do you think that if this was done to mock another religion there would be public outcry?

Take our poll:

(H/T: Buzzfeed)