There’s no censorship before God

Free speech is important. There are times when it is qualified in the face of baseless implications that hurt people’s reputations and livelihoods. For the sake of order we place certain restrictions. The beauty, some would say the terror, of the Internet is that even these restrictions are often overcome.

Churches often move in the various media to silence this freedom of speech in various ways. They decry certain kinds of language, get upset over violence and sex on television and can be quick to call a foul on anything they find offensive to their religion.

This approach is interesting when you consider that before television and the media, people still had these ideas and thoughts, just no medium to reach the masses with it. If God’s omniscient, God is sensitive to these perspectives regardless of whether or not there’s a forum for its expression. I’d think that the Church, eager to reach these people, would be happy to bring these views to the forefront so they can be dealt with.

For example, we don’t treat racism by silencing it and forcing it underground. Racism is one issue that has been exposed as being perhaps far more prevalent than some might have imagined before reading the comments sections of certain articles on the Internet. We certainly don’t help our children to process such views by silencing the discussion and leaving them to process it for themselves as they read those same comment sections.

Developing binding ties of understanding and tolerance is done through dialog. Communication is important in all relationships, as most successful partners in relationships and parents will tell you. Especially with kids, silencing discussion on certain topics and chiding questions creates a restrictive environment where they might not feel free to share with you information. This might be exactly the sort of information or feelings you want to know as a parent.

The temptation to censor should always be questioned. Leaving certain topics in silence can not only avoid reality but warp it further if you do not engage it and offer your own good sense. Being free in our communication with each other, regardless of topic, helps create a mindset for Christians where they can be more free in their communication with God.