Official Start Time: 10:30 p.m.
Date: 7/7/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.
Recently I was thinking about freedom of speech and how free we are to say what we like. Although we technically have the right to express ourselves the way we choose, we still face censorship when the words we spew infringe on the beliefs of our fellow man and his way of life.
We often run into censorship when discussing religion or politics. Things that are obvious to the naked eye seem to strike the wrong note when discussed in the presence of others. It could be something, that at the time, made perfect sense, but in todays world would be considered madness.
For example, in the past, homosexuality used to be looked up with even more disdain than it is now. In the Quran, for example, it is stated that homosexuals should be disowned if not killed for this betrayal to his religion and role in society. Say this to a Muslim, and the reaction you’ll get will be of utter shock and disbelief.
Christianity is no better, as the persecution of Muslims is even more epic in the bible. The issue here isn’t the faith or the text, but the distinction between interest and faith. Would it make sense for God, our government, or any other “holy” body to persecute people this way? Really it comes down to the time when this was written.
The context might not match the time, but discussing these issues shouldn’t promote hostility. We should learn to look beyond the hard core evidence and at what these mediums represent.
Sincerely, Hector Guzman
Date: 7/7/09
Official End Time: 11:00 p.m.
Recently I was thinking about freedom of speech and how free we are to say what we like. Although we technically have the right to express ourselves the way we choose, we still face censorship when the words we spew infringe on the beliefs of our fellow man and his way of life.
We often run into censorship when discussing religion or politics. Things that are obvious to the naked eye seem to strike the wrong note when discussed in the presence of others. It could be something, that at the time, made perfect sense, but in todays world would be considered madness.
For example, in the past, homosexuality used to be looked up with even more disdain than it is now. In the Quran, for example, it is stated that homosexuals should be disowned if not killed for this betrayal to his religion and role in society. Say this to a Muslim, and the reaction you’ll get will be of utter shock and disbelief.
Christianity is no better, as the persecution of Muslims is even more epic in the bible. The issue here isn’t the faith or the text, but the distinction between interest and faith. Would it make sense for God, our government, or any other “holy” body to persecute people this way? Really it comes down to the time when this was written.
The context might not match the time, but discussing these issues shouldn’t promote hostility. We should learn to look beyond the hard core evidence and at what these mediums represent.
Sincerely, Hector Guzman
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