Free speech isn’t free – Tallahassee.com

Steve Post, Guest columnist 7:29 p.m. ET May 5, 2017

Steve Post(Photo: Steve Post)

I could certainly offer some personal political perspective on the current milieu where opposing voices are shouted down, where riots are threatened to block speakers whose words constitute hate, and where some would need healing from even hearing anothers viewsor safe spaces to avoid them altogether. Americans were thought-leaders on an increasingly endangered liberty free speech and sober voices, even some on the Left, lament this state of affairs.

To be sure, the battle has been hard fought, and many have given their lives or livelihood in defense of this and our other considerable freedoms. And, as these freedoms seem to be waning in part, we recognize the potential for our own expense as we try to practice them as weve become accustomed ask the bakers, florists and photographers who have discovered that their religious convictions are read as bias and hate, and have paid for it.

American Christians are right to continue to fight for these liberties and against the erosion of the values which hold them in place. That said, it is not a biblical right for believers to be unaccosted in speaking their mind, whether speaking against God or for Him.

In Numbers 16 is the story of Korah, who led a rebellion with 250 other familial heads against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. As the Lords chosen leaders, Moses and Aaron stood in the gap between the Lord and the people. Suffice to say, God didnt look kindly on this attempted usurpation. Even after the Lord showed his displeasure by having the Earth swallow Korah and his clan, and sent out fire to the clans of the 250, the Israelites murmured against Moses for he killed the Lords people. Moses and Aaron interceded to mitigate Gods further response.

On the other hand, the New Testament is full of examples of speaking for God as Hes directed. Jesus whole missionary bent was to proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom of God. He declared His obedience thusly: For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandmentwhat to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life (John 12:49-50a).

Jesus directed the Apostles to do likewise, saying you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8) They were ultimately commanded to share the Good News of His person and work all that He taught and all that he did (Matthew 28:19-20).

The cost of speaking for God in this way, for both Jesus and his Apostles, was similar to that of speaking against God temporally speaking, it cost them their lives. Jesus words were twisted to fit the narrative of those whom he upset with his claims and accusations, but He ultimately gave away his life in service to the Truth.

Likewise, ten of the eleven remaining Apostles (after Judas left) died for their proclamation of the Truth about Jesus Christ, as did Paul for his free speech in sharing the gospel a fate far better than if he had not (1 Corinthians 9:16). So, while we biblically follow the governing authorities (that is, obeying them as long as they dont command what God forbids or forbid what He commands see Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2), we can feel free as Americans to fight for the liberties others have won for us, but we should understand that we, like those in many other countries, may suffer consequences, and pay dearly for our free speech.

Steve Post is a Tallahassee resident, armchair theologian, and past local ministry lay leader. Contact him at sepost7678@gmail.com.

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Free speech isn't free - Tallahassee.com