In the Wednesday version of Word of Faith Fellowship speaks out, Karel Reynolds, Christian Whitbeck and Justin Davies continued with their assessment and free advertising for the Community Forum held this past Saturday in Spindale. Karel again called the efforts of survivors to tell their experiences a “conspiracy against our church.” She claimed the purpose of the meeting was to “attack our church.” She reviewed her definition of a conspiracy and not too far into the program she gave a plug for this blog. Karel reminded folks that I was in the meeting and claimed I use this blog to spread “bitterness and hatred.”
After listening to this program I began to consider what constitutes hate speech and free speech. Let me briefly explain my thoughts.
On a broad scale, I believe WOFF would like to find someone in government to agree with them that my writings, my book and my public meetings are indeed hate speech. Then, they could petition to shut me down or shut me up. They would have me censored and held to the same strict censorship dynamic which exists inside their group. No one inside WOFF speaks freely every time on every issue- unless there is 100% agreement to subject their words to the review and approval of the leader.
After surveying the culture and climate in this country, I don’t see this happening any time soon. Continue reading Hate Speech or Free Speech?