Freedom to speak

Today, in Parliament in Westminster, there will be further discussion and debate about the Government's contentious proposal to change the definition of marriage to include same gender couples. This has been a hotly debated and argued issue, which in itself has raised many other issues. 

On the one side is the case for equality before the law for all people. 

This equality argument is assumed to be superior to all other rights, whether they are the rights of conscience or right to freedom to practice one's religion without hindrance. 

What do I think? Am I free to speak my mind, whether or not what I say may offend others?

St. Paul reminds his Christian friends in what is modern south-east Turkey about the centrality of freedom in Christian living. 'It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.' (Galatians 5.1) This freedom from having to be under a legalistic regime, with respect to my relationship with God, is an essential benefit for followers of Jesus.

But this freedom is not a freedom to do anything that might be attractive or appealing. It is not a freedom to live contrary to the revealed will of God. It is not a freedom to please myself. 

So Paul has to state the limits to this freedom, won for us by Jesus' dying for us. 'For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.' (Galatians 5.13-15)

Does loving my neighbour mean that I accept that every lifestyle choice is good? It most certainly does not. 

God's ideal for all sorts of people is that we choose to live within the safety margins he has set, is all aspects of our lives. For that reason, and many others, I strongly oppose the Government's desire to change the definition of marriage. 

Some may be offended by my views, but I defend my right to have the freedom to speak.

Best wishes,

Richard