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Is Freedom of Speech An Excuse to Disrespect Others???

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by righteousdude2, Nov 16, 2011.

?
  1. Yes

    2 vote(s)
    20.0%
  2. No

    7 vote(s)
    70.0%
  3. In some cases, it's acceptable and even necessary.

    2 vote(s)
    20.0%
  4. It is never acceptable, even if the other party deserves it.

    1 vote(s)
    10.0%
  5. I do not subscribe to that form of entertainment or debating.

    2 vote(s)
    20.0%
  6. A bad sermon, or pastor is off limits at all times.

    2 vote(s)
    20.0%
  7. Only when the sermon, or pastor deserves it.

    1 vote(s)
    10.0%
  8. I can't stop others, but I let them know it is not right.

    2 vote(s)
    20.0%
  9. It is not for me to judge what others do, or say about another person.

    1 vote(s)
    10.0%
  10. Hey, it's comedy! Who am I to say?

    1 vote(s)
    10.0%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. righteousdude2

    righteousdude2 Well-Known Member
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    From Jay Leno, to David Letterman, to Bill Maher, to Michael Moore, to Rush Limbaugh...has the right to say what "we" feel become a handy, nifty excuse to be downright rude, disrespectful, discourteous, ill-bred, ill-mannered, impertinent, inconsiderate, thoughtless, uncalled-for, uncivil, ungracious, unhandsome, unmannered, and unmannerly???

    Should our leaders, and those in authority (including believers having "Roast Pastor" after church on Sunday's), be subjected to humorous innuendos and critical defamation (even if warranted) in-the-name of entertainment, or being "truthful"? :tear:

    Has our society become more uncivil toward others, or is it acceptable, according to the Word of God, to tolerate others who make a practice of degrading and running down others in-the-name of "good humor" or "fair game"? :tear:
     
    #1 righteousdude2, Nov 16, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 16, 2011
  2. Aaron

    Aaron Member
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    The First Amendment is a restriction on congress only, and it was only to assure the states that the new central government had no authority to regulate political and religious speech.

    State and local governments had the authority and duty to determine for themselves what constituted public decency and what violated it.
     
  3. David Lamb

    David Lamb Active Member

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    The names you mention (Jay Leno, David Letterman, Bill Maher, Michael Moore, Rush Limbaugh) are completely unknown to me. But regardless of who they are, and regardless, too, of what the laws, constitutions, etc. of our various countries may say on the matter, it is surely wrong for Christians, of any nationality,to be "downright rude, disrespectful, discourteous, ill-bred, ill-mannered, impertinent, inconsiderate, thoughtless, uncalled-for, uncivil, ungracious, unhandsome, unmannered, and unmannerly." Ephesians 4.31-32 is by no means the only bible passage to show this:
    31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
     
  4. freeatlast

    freeatlast New Member

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    The answer is no freedom of speech is not an excuse to disrespect someone, but disrespect needs to be carefully defined. Just because something is said that hurts someone does not mean it is disrespect. The prophets and even the Lord said some strong things yet not to disrespect. Mockery with malice or jest is however disrespect no matter the form or venue it comes in.
     
  5. JesusFan

    JesusFan Well-Known Member

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    All of them just reaffirm the biblical truth that Jesus told His Apostles "just as they have spoken evil of me, they will speak evil of you, and that just as I faced tribulation/persucution, you shall also. But be of good cheer, as I have overcome the World!" Chaser paraphrase!
     
  6. mandym

    mandym New Member

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    There is always an excuse to be rude and it always begins with "but".
     
  7. Aaron

    Aaron Member
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    If this isn't a question of the role of civil government in regulating speech, then it's a meaningless question.
     
  8. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    Depends on who you're talking about.

    If it is a bunch of unbelievers or secular Christians who want to emphasize their humanly rights codified in some "Bill of Rights" then it's different.

    If you're talking about believers, we are reminded our rights and obligations are not limited to what is expressed in some document. Our rights and obligations find their identity in the Scriptures.

    In the Bible I never find a verse or passage that permits us to slander or speak disgustingly towards or about another human being.
     
  9. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    Good topic. One thing I have noted here that disturbs me is the perjoratives and childish nicknames used for those in authority. Most obvious of late have been the use of these in relation to the current president. It it not befitting of God's children.
     
  10. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    I am reminded that though I am thankful for the "Bill of Rights" which offers protections most civilizations have never enjoyed, my Christian obligations supersede that document.

    Particularly when it comes to how I behave and how I speak of others the overwhelming responsibility in the NT is an ethic of civility, honesty, and respect.

    Too often I've seen Christians, and especially Christian leaders, speak ill of a person by way of caustic words and disrespectful judgments then turn around and justify (or attempt to) their actions because they are "discerning" or "speaking the truth" about them.

    Being a believer means we have a higher standard of conduct in word and action.
     
  11. freeatlast

    freeatlast New Member

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    That is too bad that you feel being rude is acceptable. Shame on you!
     
  12. mandym

    mandym New Member

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    Thanks for continuing to make my point.
     
  13. freeatlast

    freeatlast New Member

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    Shame on you lover of being rude.
     
  14. JesusFan

    JesusFan Well-Known Member

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    To be honest. a lot of whatis said concerning the current president, he has brought upon himself, due to him claiming to be a Christian, yet in almost every area, he takes the anti Christian position!
     
  15. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    Ah yes, the qualifier. "I can say ___________ about the President/someone because they don't agree with my read of Scripture."

    I believe the Bible doesn't permit license for vitriol if we disagree over political issues.
     
  16. JesusFan

    JesusFan Well-Known Member

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    NOT stating here that we can be unchristlike in our manner of speaking BUT am saying that we can and must refute those who claim Christ yet are acting out as if they know Him not!

    remember paul facing down peter?
     
  17. Mexdeaf

    Mexdeaf New Member

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    "LIKE".:thumbsup:
     
  18. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    Is that an excuse for childish name calling or using silly adaptations of his name?
     
  19. JesusFan

    JesusFan Well-Known Member

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    NOT saying that we should be vulger/making mockery of him etc...

    But that we can and should point out that he brought down on himself , in regards to the "christian" president who has done the most to oppose the cause of Christ of any president!
     
  20. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    Thomas Jefferson was the most anti-Christian president ever.

    There is no problem being critical, but no need to be rude or mocking.
     
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