We all know that one of our fine 1st Amendment rights is the right to free speech. And, just as much, we know that we do not have an unrestricted right to free speech. You cannot, for instance, yell, "Fire!" in a crowded theater. Or urge your followers to "Stop the Steal!" ... even if you tell them to do it peacefully. That speech is not free.
But why? Why do we have free speech? What is it good for? Some think that it's good because we all have good ideas and so we should all be allowed to contribute. From a strictly biblical perspective, that's not quite right. From a strictly biblical perspective, the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked (Jer 17:9). From a strictly biblical perspective, out of the heart the mouth speaks (Matt 15:18-19). From a strictly biblical perspective, "no human being can tame the tongue." (James 3:8) So, no, it's not because we all have good ideas so everyone should have their opportunity.
I would contend that it is precisely because we are sinners, because we have deceitful hearts, because we need a renewed mind that we must not regulate free speech. It's precisely because we can't do it well or right. It's because, as fallen humans, we'll begin to regulate based on what we like or don't like, accept or don't accept, allow or don't allow. You know, like they're doing today.
Now, now, don't get your knickers in a twist. They've done it all along. From a strictly biblical perspective, you find a perfect example in Acts when the council warned the disciples, "We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us." (Acts 5:28) Unacceptable speech -- speech that can save your soul -- banned. That's why regulating free speech is a bad idea ... and an idea that is finding growing popularity today.
1 comment:
As someone who's grown up being taught that the limits on free speech are minimal, and who watched the NAZI march through Skokie, I completely agree that if limits on speech that they will very likely be driven by those in power trying to limit those who oppose them. It doesn't seem like hyperbole to say that any additional limits on speech will only open the door to more limits. This current fear of being exposed to something offensive, is so counter to the founding principles of our country, that I can't see any positives coming from it. Especially when the speech deemed offensive happens to be speaking Truth.
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