The Profane and Freedom

 Recently a popular song by a well known band came under fire for its use of the word faggot . In all honesty I don't like the word . Its use in the song, if taken in context , you get who the artist are poking fun at and its not homosexuals. But it offended someone , who in turn filed a complaint and was deemed offensive . It either has to be edited or not played. For the gay community it is deemed a profane word , offensive . I can understand that reaction. Even though as a Bible believing Christian who holds that homosexuality is sin , just like fornication,murder,adultery etc... , all forgiven if one repents and walks in trust with Christ daily , it still is a word that is meant to invoke hatred and harm.We are all sinners , but still bearing the image of God .

But at the same time , if we are to be free and have a real honest exchange of ideas and world views , the use of words even in a negative sense , should not be censored. The cost of freedom comes with the real possibility of being offended. If you don't like the song because of its word , don't listen to it . Shut it off or get thicker skin.

As a Christian , I cannot go anywhere  without listening to some one profane my Lord's name . Just yesterday while getting oil , a clerk drops a paper and what came out of her mouth . In the coffee shops ,grocery stores ,at restaurants it is constant. Am I offended yes , that they would so casually use Jesus Christ as a curse word . But lets not stop there . From movies to TV , music to books , the Christian faith is mocked , blasphemed and if you don't believe me , just do a little research . Rock artist have a long history of poking fun at God and Christians . In the metal genre , if you want to read hate literature against Christ and the church , its not hard to find. So I understand the offense. But I will not push for censorship in the courts but in the court of the heart and mind.

Each person born has a inherit dignity because we bare the image of God. Broken and sin stained , dead in trespasses and sins , yes , but we in a general sense, are all God's image bearers. So to willfully insult or tear someone down , I believe is a direct attack on God. Now we can disagree with each other passionately concerning religion and morality , but at the same time withhold personal insults and ad hominem attacks.


[21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
(Romans 12:21 ESV)
 
In attacks of speech ,we must overcome the abuse not by stooping to the same level and return the insults or slander  but with argumentation that is smart and articulate .  Its a dangerous slope to begin to ban certain words. Plus who is to say what should be banned ? To remove words or limit free speech is a scary thing. One may not agree with certain words,slogans,opinions or movements but book burning , song banning and limiting debate on any issue ,shows a society moving towards a State controlled society . That scares me. Plus I find those who have a weak position tend to be the ones wanting censorship or limit debate.

Verse Of The Day  :   See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
                                 (1 Thessalonians 5:15 ESV)