"Free Speech"

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Moll_y

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At the university I attend, there is an organization that calls themselves "Freethinkers and Inquirers." This is an anti-religious/Atheistic organization. Today they are participating in a "holiday" they call "Blasphemy Day." They "celebrated" by chalking offensive messages all over the sidewalks of campus. I will not say their exact messages, because they are horrible enough to not even want to repeat. The messages were anti-religion, but specifically anti-Christianity, and included things like "God is dead," "Jesus was wrong." Those were the most tame--many, many others included profanity and sexual connotation. Many drawings depicted stick figures to represent Jesus, but showed "compromising" situations, as well as mocking the crucifix.

They claim that these offensive messages, drawn ALL over campus in chalk, were their way of using free speech.

How are we to deal with this as Christians? We are to love our neighbor, but are we to be a doormat to those who are intolerant of others?
 
I'd speak with the administration of the school about it. Free speech is one thing, but intentionally trying to offend is just plain rude and could create hostilities on campus. One can argue their points without resorting to vulgarities and insults.
 
they wouldn't accept it if it was racist (I assume), so they should not accept what's attacking religion either...
 
I would have taken photos of it firstly- then gone to a local paper, the adminstration, a community leader, churches, ect....they should be ashamed of what they did and i'd try to make it a public outcry.
 
Moll_y said:
How are we to deal with this as Christians? We are to love our neighbor, but are we to be a doormat to those who are intolerant of others?
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Some thoughts from scripture on this:

Luke 6:27 But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also.

1 Peter 3.8-9 Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind. Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing.

Ro 12.18-21 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads."

John 13. 34 f. A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples.

1 Cor. 4. 12. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we intreat.

Luke 17.3 f. If your brother sin, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he sin against you seven times in the day, and seven times turn again to you saying, I repent; you shall forgive him.

Jas. 4. 12. One only is the lawgiver and judge, even he who is able to save and to destroy: but who are you that judge your neighbor?

Lu 6:42 Or how can you say to your neighbor, ’Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.

This group has set aside a day to curse others, marginalize others, and insult others. I think the best thing you could do is to make a statement about love, blessing, forgiveness, and grace. What about writing positive statements around campus? The consistent message from Jesus was to love all, even our enemies. Rather than trying to prevent the Blasphemy crowd from saying all these things, show the campus that you are not going to stoop to their level, and offer the students something positive and encouraging.
 
ChristopherMichael said:
Pray for rain?

- Topher
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very good


I would go to the schools Adminsitration and report them this is discrimination.
On the other hand, God is watching them, he is seeing what there doing and he wont forget. He will fogive if the repent, but he wont forget otherwise. Do what you think God would have you do.

Dont be afraid to stand up to them.
remeber this :
"If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

Hope that helps =P
 
Ok if this were me. I'd go to the office of internal affairs and tell them look...this isn't right. You're basically giving these people free reign to do as they please and discriminate against other people openly.
 
Moll_y said:
At the university I attend, there is an organization that calls themselves "Freethinkers and Inquirers." This is an anti-religious/Atheistic organization. Today they are participating in a "holiday" they call "Blasphemy Day." They "celebrated" by chalking offensive messages all over the sidewalks of campus. I will not say their exact messages, because they are horrible enough to not even want to repeat. The messages were anti-religion, but specifically anti-Christianity, and included things like "God is dead," "Jesus was wrong." Those were the most tame--many, many others included profanity and sexual connotation. Many drawings depicted stick figures to represent Jesus, but showed "compromising" situations, as well as mocking the crucifix.

They claim that these offensive messages, drawn ALL over campus in chalk, were their way of using free speech.

How are we to deal with this as Christians? We are to love our neighbor, but are we to be a doormat to those who are intolerant of others?
Click to expand...

In my opinion as long as they don't bother you leave them alone, everyone has a freedom of speech. Just because someone attacks your religion doesn't me you go attack their beliefs. But if they ask you, that's when you can speak up. Once again my opinion.
 
Wow, this interesting, because my campus Christian Fellowship group is doing something like that this year... Not offensive messages, obviously!

But we're going to write quotes, words of encouragement, apologies for the sins of Christianity, and Bible verses with chalk. We're callling it "Chalk Love Day" and are going to try and make it a regular thing, and encourage other clubs and organizations to take part.

As Groundhog suggested, perhaps you and your campus fellowship group could have some Chalk Love? Write some inspiration quotes (don't even have to be religious) or a "good luck on your exams!" or anything like that.

As Christians, we're called to meet hate with love, not censorship. Don't censor them, or try to. That's what they want. Meet their hate with irresistable love. "Bless those that persecute you."
 
Moll_y said:
At the university I attend, there is an organization that calls themselves "Freethinkers and Inquirers." This is an anti-religious/Atheistic organization. Today they are participating in a "holiday" they call "Blasphemy Day." They "celebrated" by chalking offensive messages all over the sidewalks of campus. I will not say their exact messages, because they are horrible enough to not even want to repeat. The messages were anti-religion, but specifically anti-Christianity, and included things like "God is dead," "Jesus was wrong." Those were the most tame--many, many others included profanity and sexual connotation. Many drawings depicted stick figures to represent Jesus, but showed "compromising" situations, as well as mocking the crucifix.

They claim that these offensive messages, drawn ALL over campus in chalk, were their way of using free speech.

How are we to deal with this as Christians? We are to love our neighbor, but are we to be a doormat to those who are intolerant of others?
Click to expand...

how can one be blasphemous if they do not believe in it in the first place lol
 
"How are we to deal with this as Christians? We are to love our neighbor, but are we to be a doormat to those who are intolerant of others?[/quote]"
hello dear, I know you must be feeling kind of helpless in such situation, but do remember that Jesus knows how to defend Himself...
And do you guys remember what happened in the case of Paul!
all these things happened because the Lord let it happened, for where sins abounds, grace... you know the rest..
 
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