Freedom of press(ure)

Usually when I’m fearful, my heart beats faster and my palms begin to sweat. Now is one of those times. The United States Government’s First Amendment has included in it’s content freedom of the press, or freedom to write or express what one will. However, as a basic right of humans created in the image of God, is this really an expectation that is reasonable? Is this something that we are entitled to in light of the Holy Scripture?
For some reason our country, The United States of America, seen fit to adopt as one of her guiding principles the right of her citizens to express themselves in poetry or prose. Was this because her founding fathers were denied this right at some other time prior to their organization? Of course. They were denied this privilege to some degree or another in some countries of Europe and then to a different degree by England when it became apparent what this upstart young rebellious group of people were striving for. Liberty!
In truthfulness, that is not always what this country has experienced since then. Consider the plight of the Native American, the African American and other oppressed peoples throughout the course of history. But, the point remains, we desire to have the freedom to write and express what is on our minds.
However, this is dangerous. Anyone can see that. One author has an essay titled “Ideas have consequences”. Stirring addresses have been written. Revolutionary books have been penned. Piercing poetry has been composed. Jokers write to make people laugh. Hucksters write to turn a buck. Professors write to impress. Journalists write to spread bad news. Prophets write because their bones are burning.
Does the Bible support the freedom to write without worry of censorship? I think it does. If you don’t, then how will we resolve this dilemma? Who has the right to expression? The oldest? The wisest? The furthest up the church ladder?
Some churches have taken it upon themselves to monitor material written by their members. This is prudent. However, if the iron fist descends in judgement upon the erring soul, what is the judgement bar? Is it the Word of God? Or, is it men’s writings that are used to determine whether the judged has indeed transgressed?
I think that our fellowship has built and nurtured a system that oppresses our own thinkers and writers from expressing thoughts and writing articles that may seem to threaten the Establishment. Do we have something that cannot weather a little criticism? Are we afraid that our doctrine and system may tumble under the lightest scrutiny? I say no! Let the flood gates of opinion and careful exegesis both open. We will be the better for it.