Freedom of Speech...?

Ok, so this guy was preaching at the Liberty Bell. I don't know who he is, or what he was preaching (a little study could answer that question). I only know what the report in World Net Daily gave. http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=67190 There's a You Tube included in the report.

This made me think, again, about 'freedom of speech.' What does it mean, really? What did it mean in previous generations? And, once again, I find that it relates directly to LOC. Can I speak whatever I want, wherever I want to speak it? What restrictions, if any, are to be put on what the individual speaks, and who is to put those restrictions in place?

Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks...

Matthew 12 says that we'll be held accountable for every careless word...Oh! So God is the one who holds us accountable...but does man also have a position of holding us accountable? Does the government?

As a matter of conscience, sometimes I must remain silent (wish I could get that one figured out!) and sometimes I must speak up. Well, ok, I don't always figure this one out either. To speak, or not to speak, that is the question...! The Bible is clear on some of it. And we must dig deeper to find the principles that lay the foundation for all of speech.

But, again, who is responsible for the regulation of speech? I submit that it is NOT the government. The purpose of government is to protect the God-given rights we have of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It's actually not that broad of a responsibility. It doesn't cover every little action of the individual, but ONLY those that violate the liberty of others. So the government has the position of stepping in when there is a violation, and the people cannot manage the resolution of the issue. (And what's wrong with us if we can't agree to disagree or if we won't treat others with respect, I ask you!?) There is a judicial branch for that...

So who, then? In order to answer that question, we must have an understanding of personal responsibility. One of the main reasons we have a law for every little thing is because we are abdicating our responsibilities. Who is responsible for what I say? Me! If I lie about someone, or assassinate their character by my speech, then I must answer for it and make restitution. If I speak out of turn or speak without thinking, I must make amends for that. Kind of makes me want to be careful what I write.

Here's another question: When my children come to me and say "So-and-So said...!" should I step in and drop a hammer on the problem? Hm. We teach our children about the role of authorities by how we respond. I hate to second guess every action I take in parenting. I think there is cause here for examining it before it happens.

In LOC, we can, perhaps, conclude very simply regarding the issue of freedom of speech by this: "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial." And I could add Eph. 4:29 and suggest that we post that on the wall somewhere in our homes. If everyone followed these principles, freedom of speech would not require so much legislation.

Did I just say that the Bible is the best foundation for understanding freedom of speech? I guess I did!