The Bible does not directly address the concept of censorship as we understand it today. However, there are several principles and examples in Scripture that can provide wisdom for Christians thinking about issues relating to censorship.
Freedom of Speech
The Bible upholds the value of free speech. When the apostles were forbidden by the authorities to speak about Jesus, they responded, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). The apostle Paul also appealed to his rights as a Roman citizen to freely share the gospel (Acts 22:25-29). However, the Bible also teaches that freedom of speech is not an absolute right. There are times when restraint in speech is appropriate, especially when it may unnecessarily cause harm to others (Ephesians 4:29).
Authority
The Bible teaches that governing authorities are established by God to maintain order and promote good in society (Romans 13:1-7). The laws of the land should be respected unless they directly conflict with obedience to God (Acts 5:29). Some forms of censorship may be appropriate if instituted by proper authorities for the genuine good of society.
Heresy
There are instances in Scripture of false teachers being silenced to prevent the spread of false doctrine. Paul tells Titus to “rebuke sharply” those teaching false doctrine so they will be sound in the faith (Titus 1:13). The book of Jeremiah speaks of false prophets who were not sent by God and should no longer prophesy (Jeremiah 23:16,30). The early church had to deal with heretical sects endangering the truth of the gospel.
Speech that Harms
The Bible discourages speech that causes harm. Words like gossip, slander, hate, prejudice should be avoided (Psalm 34:13, Ephesians 4:31). Speech that incites violence or lawlessness should also be rejected (Proverbs 16:27). But discernment is needed, as suppressing ideas can also cause harm.
Wisdom and Discernment
As new forms of media and communication arise, Christians need wisdom to know when censorship is appropriate and when it violates just principles. The potential good and harm that might arise should be weighed carefully. Believers must also guard against self-interest and biases that might affect perspectives on censorship.
Motives and Methods
The Bible focuses more on the heart motives and proper methods in addressing issues than on laying down legalistic rules. Censorship can be used to genuinely protect others, but it can also be abused to maintain power, silence disagreements, hide corruption, or limit freedom. The methods used should align with biblical values of truth, justice, compassion.
Trusting God
As believers seek to live faithfully on complicated issues, they can have confidence that God’s purposes will prevail, regardless of wrongs or injustices in this age. God’s Kingdom will ultimately triumph. The Bible urges perseverance, faith and hope that God will bring all things to right in His proper time (Revelation 21:1-5).
In summary, the Bible does not prohibit all forms of censorship but highlights principles of wisdom, discernment, and faith when considering complex issues involving speech, truth, power, and the greater good of society. Christians seeking to live out biblical values in this area should thoughtfully and humbly examine motives, methods, potential harm versus benefits, and trust God for the results.
The Bible contains the following additional verses related to this topic:
Proverbs 10:18 – Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.
Psalm 141:3 – Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!
1 Peter 2:15 – For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
Proverbs 18:21 – Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
1 Corinthians 14:40 – But all things should be done decently and in order.
Romans 14:13 – Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.
Ephesians 5:4 – Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
Exodus 23:1 – You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.
Romans 12:17-18 – Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Proverbs 11:9 – With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
James 3:5-6 – So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.
1 Corinthians 10:23 – “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.
Psalm 19:14 – Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Proverbs 15:1 – A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
1 Corinthians 14:33 – For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.
Proverbs 16:24 – Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Colossians 4:6 – Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.