Why a Theology of Free Speech is Essential
Most people clearly understand free speech as an essential human virtue and fundamental American constitutional right. But far fewer appreciate its theological importance.
That oversight can now be corrected, thanks to a new academic article co-published by Andrew T. Walker, Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Public Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Kristen Waggoner, CEO, president, and chief counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom. These two are perfect to address this issue, one as a professor of ethics and the other, a lawyer toiling in the vineyard of protecting the free speech of Christians.
Their important essay, “The Unchained Word: A Public Theology of Free Speech” appeared this week in the on-line theological journal Themelios, published by the good folks at The Gospel Coalition. These important Christian leaders state from the outset their work is a response to “mounting threats of censorship across Western societies.”
This is indeed a very real threat, as the Daily Citizen has documented here, here, here, here and here. Walker and Waggoner explain, “We argue that freedom of speech is not merely a political concession of liberal democracies, but arises from humanity’s nature as rational agents made in the image of God, created to be seekers and speakers of truth.”
They wisely argue, “After examining the biblical purposes of speech, the limits of civil government’s authority, and the moral logic of human rights, we contend that a Christian account of free speech requires a dual affirmation: positively, that individuals have a duty to speak truthfully; and negatively, that governments bear a heavy burden of proof before restricting expression.” More specifically, “While not absolute, free speech must enjoy a presumption of liberty if societies are to order themselves toward truth and resist the perennial temptation of tyranny.”
While detailing many egregious threats to free-speech by government and media itself, Walker and Waggoner address the theological importance of free speech. They remind their readers that while “Christian reflection on free speech as such has been admittedly thin … Christianity offers a rich foundation for grounding a modern concept of free speech.”
They are correct.
Let us look at creation itself. God created all that exists through His speech. God spoke, and it was. Therefore, speech is both divine and creative. It has profound power. Thus, humans uniquely have speech as God’s unique imagers in creation. But our ability to speak has purpose and moral value – as well as, conversely, the ability to deceive. These authors hold, “Human beings, as rational agents made in God’s image, are made to be truth-seekers and truth-speakers.” They add, “These dual realities of man’s nature and purpose ground a Christian theology of free speech.”
This important article, in addressing a robust theology of free speech, is an essential contribution to gaining a fuller theology of culture and public life, something all believers must possess. Afterall, God created each of us to fulfill the cultural mandate of Genesis 1:28 of living in, participating in and helping create a world of culture that honors God and His good design for humans and His creation.
It is worth reading as a family and sharing with your friends and pastoral leadership at your local church.
Related articles and resources:
How Big is Your View of the Gospel?
In Our Troubled World, Take Heart and Remember That Christ is King
The Church’s Lane is the Whole Cosmos
How Reasserting The ‘Imago Dei’ Can Transform Our Culture
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