Freedom Friday | The Autumn of Our Growing Discontent

Here in Texas we stand at the cusp of a change of season, transitioning from the heat of Summer to welcome cooler temps that accompany what we call Fall. The only constant in this life is change.

Friends, I believe American Freedom is under attack. This is evident in last week’s murder of political activist and outspoken Christian, Charlie Kirk.

When we silence voices we disagree with by murdering them, there’s something seriously wrong. In America, free speech, including things that we oppose and find hateful, is foundational to our way of life. I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend your right to say it.

Stephen R. Covey

Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

It is sad and horrific to think that we are so divided and polarized as a nation that killing someone seems like a better solution than having a discussion to seek and understand one another. Surely we can do better?

First Amendment, U.S. Constitution

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

As Christians, the willingness to discuss our differences is something we should try to honor and celebrate. After all, none of us know everything nor do we have all the right answers.

Proverbs 27:17 NLT

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.‭‭

As Americans, we must fight to protect our most basic human rights, like the Freedom of Speech. Disagreement is healthy—or it should be. Conversation helps us come up with better answers. Violence simply says “Since I can’t argue my position well, I will silence you permanently.” It’s cowardice in the highest degree. Not talking leads to violence.

Again, I don’t have to like or agree with what you’re saying, but I must defend your right to say it. Jesus didn’t seek to silence those who openly disagreed with Him. He met them where they were and fearlessly engaged them in a conversation. Certainly, Jesus would not have us celebrate violence as the answer to our disagreements.

J.K. Rowling on X

Words are not violence. When you pretend that views that oppose your own are violence, you are justifying the use of actual violence towards the speaker.

My prayer for us is that we learn the lessons of our past and invite others into a sincere dialogue that involves listening, not just being heard. May we continue to promote love over hate and peace over violence.

Until my next post…

Be salty, stay lit.

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™

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