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The Importance of Free Speech for Christians
(by Scott Nailon, 30-September-2023)
Free speech is a fundamental right that allows individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, and beliefs without fear of censorship or retribution. For Christians, free speech holds immense relevance as it enables them to exercise their faith, proclaim the Gospel, and share their ministry with a world in need. However, recent events have demonstrated a concerning trend of silencing Christian voices by left-wing political power players, raising questions about the true extent of freedom of expression for Christians globally.
Free speech for Christians means having the liberty to openly discuss and share their religious beliefs and the teachings of Jesus. It enables them to fulfil their mandate of spreading the Gospel message to all corners of the world, responding to the call to be the salt and light of society. Just as Christ commanded his followers to share the good news, Christians have a responsibility to communicate their faith and minister to those around them.
Unfortunately, there has been a growing concern surrounding the suppression of Christian voices in various platforms, including the media. Many media outlets are owned by public companies with their own agendas, often attempting to silence Christian perspectives. Christian voices are strategically marginalised, creating an imbalance in the representation of diverse viewpoints.
A recent example of this suppression is the case of Parler, a social media platform that faced significant backlash due to its association with conservative and Christian users. Amazon Web Services (AWS), which provided hosting services to Parler, issued a notice for the platform to vacate their data center, effectively shutting down their operations. This happened concurrently with the silencing of former US President Donald Trump on various social media platforms. Such actions raise concerns about the selective targeting of Christian voices on digital platforms.
The notice given to Parler.com required them to vacate AWS’s data center, effectively suspending their operations until they could secure hosting from another provider. This decision had a significant impact on Parler, considering AWS’s status as one of the leading cloud infrastructure providers.
The removal of Parler from AWS ignited discussions and debates surrounding the balance between free speech and content moderation on online platforms. This incident also amplified concerns about the power and influence held by technology companies in shaping online discourse and controlling access to digital infrastructure.
Sadly, since then Parler.com was acquired by “Starboard” and immediately shut down. There was a temporary message on the website saying “no reasonable person believes that a Twitter clone just for conservatives is a viable business any more.” Read more of that story here: https://mashable.com/article/parler-acquired-shut-down
In response to these challenges, initiatives like GoodHost.com.au have emerged. GoodHost is a hosting business established in Australia by passionate Bible-believing Christians. Their mission is to protect Christian voices and beliefs, as well as to defend the freedom of expression for those who share similar convictions. Their focus on providing a platform that safeguards the rights of Christians is a testament to the importance of free speech in the face of increasing attempts to silence their voices.
In conclusion, free speech is crucial for Christians as it enables them to fulfill their calling to share the Gospel and minister to others. Recent incidents of the suppression of Christian voices by left-wing political power players and the control of media outlets by public companies have highlighted the need for protection and advocacy. Initiatives such as GoodHost.com.au seek to provide a secure environment for Christians to freely express and live out their faith.
Upholding the value of free speech for Christians ensures the preservation of religious liberty and diversity of thought in our increasingly interconnected world.
Scott Nailon
What Happens at the Media GATES?
(by Lilian Schmid)
Media gates are the most important part of delivering the news. Through Media our mission as Christians is to be gatekeepers to deliver the good news (the Holy Gospel) and the truth of Jesus Christ. Gates are the “traffic control” stations of those watching, Listening, and hearing.
So, whoever sits at those gates, controls that territory!
Jesus said;
“Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:7b-10 NIV)
Let us pray!
Lord, You are in control of the whole world.
You make the sunshine and the wind blow.
Lord, please take control of the spheres of Media and Entertainment.
Help them with your revelation to know Your truth as the Creator of this whole universe.
Let your will be done in this sphere as it is in Heaven.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you shall renew the face of the earth.
O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.