“The Bible is a book of hate speech. It is bigoted, racist, intolerant and reactionary. It brings about division, hatred and exclusion. In our modern progressive society, we simply cannot allow this hate speech to be freely available. In the interests of a loving, harmonious and peaceful society, it must be banned now.”
No one actually said that – I just wrote it now. But a lot of people are thinking exactly this way, including many of our bigwigs, opinion makers, and elites. They really do hate the Bible – because they really do hate the God of the Bible – and if some of them had their way, they certainly would have it banned.
As we now know, all around the West those who simply quote from the Bible are being persecuted. Some are losing their jobs, some are being fined, and some are even being jailed. Two of the most recent cases of this I have written on just recently. One involves the persecution of Israel Folau, and one involves Amazon pulling Christian books.
I discussed both of these cases just yesterday in a piece I wrote on book burning: https://billmuehlenberg.com/2019/07/08/book-burnings-statism-and-corporatism/
There I spoke of how books and magazines and films have all been censored and destroyed by totalitarian regimes. I could have added art as well. Recall that the Taliban destroyed Buddhist statues, and now Democrats in California are destroying works of art – murals of George Washington deemed to be politically incorrect.
https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/07/san-francisco-board-of-education-george-washington-murals/
But let me follow up on the two cases I discussed in that piece. The Folau saga is of course still bubbling along. One of the most recent and most alarming developments was the release of a transcript involving a hearing with three judges and Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle. Consider this actual portion of the transcript from the code of conduct hearing held last May:
Chairman John West, QC: Could I ask a question?
Mr Casselden: Certainly, Mr Chair.
Chairman: Ms Castle, what if Mr Folau had photocopied passages from the Bible and simply posted that on his social media pages, would that have caused a problem for you?
Ms Castle: I think it depends on which ones — which pages he photocopied.
Chairman: If he’d photocopied the passages that are referred to in the posts would that have caused a problem for you?
Ms Castle: Yes it would have.
Wow. Did you get that?! The head of Rugby Australia considers the Bible – or parts of it at least – to be so problematic that it cannot be quoted from, even by an employee on his own time. That is now a sackable offence. You can permanently lose your entire career for daring to cite the Word of God.
As Miranda Devine wrote about this alarming development, “Raelene Castle effectively damned the Bible as hate speech in astonishing unreported testimony at Israel Folau’s code of conduct hearing in May.” And NSW Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells put it this way: “Ordinary people of faith are now, understandably, asking the question: if I quote my Bible, will it get me into trouble?”
Israel Folau is the sacrificial lamb for the secular humanists and the forces of political correctness. You WILL be made to pay a price for defying your secular left overlords. You WILL not dare to quote from that hateful Bible. If you do, there WILL be grave consequences for your transgressions.
The second item I mentioned in yesterday’s article was the shocking decision by Amazon to pull a number of books which offer hope for those struggling with unwanted same-sex attractions. Amazon has now become a censor of ideas it finds offensive.
And the big cheeses at Amazon are obviously greatly offended that someone with same-sex attraction may not be happy with it, and may seek help in changing. Hmm, I will bet you my house – and the large library it contains – that these same folks believe that if you are unhappy with your biological sex, you can and should get help in changing it!
This is just another ugly example of corporate fascism. A book seller has got into the business of book burning – or at least book banning. Thankfully not everyone is just going to let this go without a fight. The Voice of the Voiceless group in the US is taking this on. As they say about themselves on their homepage:
The mission of Voice of the Voiceless is to defend the rights of former homosexuals, individuals with unwanted same-sex attraction, and their families. We also support the faith-based community and work actively in the United States to defend the constitutional rights of all Americans to share their views of homosexuality in the public forum. We support similar international efforts and provide assistance, whenever possible, to individuals and organizations abroad who align with our mission and goals.
https://www.voiceofthevoiceless.info/
Now they have launched a petition to get Amazon to stop this censorship. Let me share the entire text of it here:
Reverse Amazon’s decision to censor alternative views on Homosexuality.
Voice of the Voiceless started this petition to Amazon.com and 4 others
Last week Amazon abruptly removed several books which represented alternative views on homosexuality. This included a variety of personal testimonies (autobiographies), religious texts, Reparative Therapy, psychological research, and addiction recovery resources. This is tantamount to religious discrimination and discrimination based on sexual orientation.
We are outraged that a smear campaign by one individual (who stated here that he never read these books) could convince Amazon to censor all books, audiobooks, and Kindle material related to our experiences and viewpoints.
For every major issue there are two sides to each story. For one side to be bullied and censored on every platform is counter to the values we have long held in common with Amazon.
We demand an immediate reversal of this decision and the restoration of these and all other books that were removed on this topic:
Shame and Attachment Loss: The Practical Work of Reparative Therapy by Dr. Joseph Nicolosi Restoring Sexual Identity: Hope for Women Who Struggle with Same-Sex Attraction by Anne Paulk The Battle for Normality: A Guide for (Self-)Therapy for Homosexuality by Dr. Gerard J. M. Van Den Aardweg Healing Homosexuality: Case Stories of Reparative Therapy by Lucy Freeman and Dr. Joseph Nicolosi Coming Out Straight: Understanding Same-Sex Attraction by Richard Cohen Growth into Manhood: Resuming the Journey by Alan Medinger A Parent’s Guide to Preventing Homosexuality by Dr. Joseph Nicolosi and Linda Nicolosi Reparative therapy of male homosexuality: A New Clinical Approach by Dr. Joseph Nicolosi Straight Talk about Homosexuality: The Other Side of Tolerance by Richard Cohen Desires in Conflict: Hope for Men Who Struggle with Sexual Identity by Joe Dallas Orientation and Choice: One Man’s Sexual Journey by David Robinson
and all other books that were censored for this topic.
https://www.change.org/p/amazon-com-reverse-amazon-s-decision-to-censor-alternative-views-on-homosexuality
Hmm, I know a number of these people and I have a number of these books. I strongly urge you to sign the petition and share it far and wide. In yesterday’s article I concluded by quoting Heinrich Heine. I need to do the same today: “Wherever they burn books they will also, in the end, burn human beings.”
Let me also run with the words of Benjamin Franklin: “Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech.”
Yes things are that serious. It is time for all of us to stand up and say, ‘Enough is Enough!’
Issues relating to LGBTQ & freedom of belief 3 Star
Issues include where, when, how
* refer to the Israel Folau case.
== an LGBTQ response – “your belief verses my belief”.
Issues relating to LGBTQ & concerns 3 Star
* Concerns and issues.
== an LGBTQ response – “research proves” – however much of the research is suspect.
Issues related to LGBTQ & intersex 2 Star
* Intersex is a very rare medically discernable congenital condition, often added to the LGBTQ acronym to ‘enhance its legitimacy’. Refer here.
== an LGBTQ response – intersex (I) possibly added as a ‘gotcha’ issue.
Issues relating to LGBTQ & Islam 1 Star
* Bible > we all are sinners, repentance is offered, theological future heaven and hell.
* Qur’an present tense, immediate action.
== an LGBTQ response – “any criticism of Islam is Islamophobia” (sarcasm).
I submit that it is wrong to attempt to manipulate public attitudes and opinions by removing books, however academically, scientifically, medically and morally grounded. This limitation of information should not be tolerated in a truly inclusive society.
The current fuss over what the government should do about religious freedoms is so simple to solve. Just apply the saying “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.”. Have a law that allows anyone to say anything they like without fear or favour as long as no physical harm is placed upon (in this world) or has the intention of being applied upon the person or group in question. Simples.
Monica Bennett-Ryan writes, I’m a mother, grandmother and Christian.
I’m sending this out because I know ordinary people can make a difference. We have the power to save our children from transgender propaganda. I believe we should use that power to turn things around. Together, we can do this!
If you agree with what is written in my post (below), please participate by writing to the Minister for Education and passing the post on to your congregation and through your facebook site.
It is usually communist countries that ban The Bible. I think that we are heading towards communism. Ms Castle should not have the right to tell people what they can say or write. Who gave Ms Castle authority to tell people what they are allowed to say or not say? Why does she think that she has these rights? It is Israel’s Folau’s business what he does in his own time. When he is off-duty then it is NONE of Rugby Australia’s business what he does. Why can’t Rugby Australia mind their own business?
Maybe we should get Ms Castle to highlight the sections in the Bible that we CAN quote. Who knows, she may learn the error of her ways or beliefs.
His view apparently is that Christians need to suck it up, While it is true that Australians are not being murdered or jailed for their faith, does it cease to be persecution when the oppression and mistreatment is merely getting fired or vilified? He also believes a Religious Freedom Act is unnecessary and suggests respect not rights should be the basis of freedom. The problem is Christians are already disrespected in Australia and that situation is only snowballing. How then can respect be relied upon? Legal rights can be perverted of course, but at least they should give protection in the short term. In the long term either Australia needs a revival, or Christians need to adopt to life under a totalitarian regime.
Yes quite right Andrew.
And yet, Amazon is willing to carry “Mein Kampf” and books that promote “boylove”.
Ms Castle is the one who has brought Rugby Australia into disrepute by using it to condemn Christianity, truth and free speech. Israel Folau, by attempting to bring sinners into the kingdom, has not.
Andrew S Mason is also correct about people like Tim Costello who, it appears, have not been put in a position of losing their career or their lifelong ambition or their business by the vain attempts of people to justify homosexuality or other sins. As much as we need to respect preachers, the fact is most of them effectively work in sheltered workshops as far as discrimination is concerned and don’t know what it is like to constantly face real discrimination in the workplace for attempting to stand up for truth. Far too many times in the discussion about religious freedom have the leaders in some churches considered only their own position and not that of their congregants who are attempting to make a living in a corrupt world. We also need to fight for the absolute right to raise our children as we see fit.
Religious freedom is not just for ministers of religion in the confines of church buildings. For people to say that just because we are not being killed and gaoled for our beliefs, yet, then that’s OK, is quite wicked. What he is doing is working to shut down the Gospel and I believe he will be held to account.
Hi Andrew,
I have zero respect for Tim Costello. I believe he is bordering on being a fake Christian. When he started pushing interfaith activities several years ago, that was it for me.
,
His comments are foolish “But when I hear Christians in Australia talking about being persecuted, I would say, ‘Just calm down’. I fear some are working themselves up into a lather that we Christians are all victims.” The content of Bill’s article proves how serious things are . When we have influencial people stating or purporting that parts of the Bible as essentially hate speech, we really have crossed a line. Simply because we are not thrown into prison now does not mean this is not going to occur in the near future. NOTE Christians have already been threatened with serious fines and potential imprisonment for their actions outside abortion Clinics.
Critically isn’t losing your ability to earn an income from a skill you have because you state what is in the Bible, also persecution. It clearly is. What right does an employer have to dictate what a person does in their free time. No Christian is safe as it stands now. In NSW we have had a lady who stood for ONE NATION in a Scott Morrison’s seat sacked by her employer.
When Christians have friends like TIM COSTELLO who needs Peter Fitzimmons (SMH) to push the GAY AGENDA, Very dissappointing and strategically naive by Tim,
Not much wisdom here,
best regards,
Philip B
An LGBTIQ ‘mental-health resource’ has been launched ahead of the religious discrimination bill-debate
Michael Weeks,
Very well articulated,
I fully support your comments.
Of Critical importance is Anthony Fisher’s comments , the Catholic Church’s Archbishop in Sydney.
He has declared that “Christianity is under attack” and accused “powerful interests” of seeking to “marginalise religious believers and beliefs, especially Christian ones, and exclude them from public life”.
How is it that the Archbishop can see the seriousness of the issue, yet Costello is in denial or downplaying the threat?
Just mind boggling to me. Praise God for ACL, Bill M, AFC, the archbishop, Margaret Court,Canberra declaration and many others who are prepared to fight the battle.
Great article Bill,
Phil
Well said Bill and Tim Costello’s view to hide under a mushroom will not stop books being burnt or your accurately predicted consequences so validated by history.
Keep up the good work for Truth.
You are a champion.
Many thanks Jim. Bless you.
Well, Bill, it will come to pass sooner than later that those who choose to wear a cross around their necks and as ear piercings could be banned for life from life.
The other point I want to make to Rugby Australia is this. How many Rugby players have tattoos that are direct quotes from the bible? How many Rugby players have other religious type tattoos that express their deep faith in Jesus?
I remember when I was very young a gentleman who lived in the rocks Sydney would walk the city streets at night writing on walls around the city the word ‘Eternity” he did that for years and he was never banned from doing that.
So what is the difference between Izzy’s posting and the gent who wrote Eternity in a perfect script?
The message of the cross has and always will be offensive. How we so desperately need the ability to love our enemies and do good to them that abuse us. God have mercy.
IN A CIVIL SOCIETY:
1. EVERY PERSON IS ENTITLED TO HIS OR HER BELIEFS.
2. IF A PERSON’S BELIEF DIFFERS FROM ANOTHER PERSON’S BELIEF – RESPOND BY IGNORING OR DEBATING.
3. IF A PERSON’S BELIEF LEADS TO PHYSICAL ACTION AGAINST ANOTHER PERSON – RESPOND WITHIN THE LAW.
Specifically – Israel Folau
It is a spiritual battle 5 Star
* Ephesians
* Romans 1:18-32
* Jesus and marriage
* There is a need to pray > 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Philippians 4:6-7, Luke 18:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Matthew 26:41, Luke 6:12-13.
Issues relating to LGBTQ & health 5 Star
* LGBTQ and health
* LGBTQ and mental health
* Chromosomes XX, XY click here and here
* The male-female complementarity.
== an LGBTQ response – ??
Issues relating to LGBTQ & children 4 Star
LGBTQ can’t procreate. Have to recruit.
* Drag queens with children
* Mardi gras and children and with children also here
* Pride marches with children
* Children in drag
* Children in rainbow families, without biological parents.
== an LGBTQ response – ??
Issues relating to LGBTQ & freedom of belief 3 Star
Issues include where, when, how
* refer to the Israel Folau case.
== an LGBTQ response – “your belief verses my belief”.
Issues relating to LGBTQ & concerns 3 Star
* Concerns and issues.
== an LGBTQ response – “research proves” – however much of the research is suspect.
Issues related to LGBTQ & intersex 2 Star
* Intersex is a very rare medically discernable congenital condition, often added to the LGBTQ acronym to ‘enhance its legitimacy’. Refer here.
== an LGBTQ response – intersex (I) possibly added as a ‘gotcha’ issue.
Issues relating to LGBTQ & Islam 1 Star
* Bible > we all are sinners, repentance is offered, theological future heaven and hell.
* Qur’an present tense, immediate action.
== an LGBTQ response – “any criticism of Islam is Islamophobia” (sarcasm).
https://atributetoaustralianchristians.wordpress.com/israel-folau-the-way-forward/
I submit that it is wrong to attempt to manipulate public attitudes and opinions by removing books, however academically, scientifically, medically and morally grounded. This limitation of information should not be tolerated in a truly inclusive society.
The current fuss over what the government should do about religious freedoms is so simple to solve. Just apply the saying “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.”. Have a law that allows anyone to say anything they like without fear or favour as long as no physical harm is placed upon (in this world) or has the intention of being applied upon the person or group in question. Simples.
Monica Bennett-Ryan writes, I’m a mother, grandmother and Christian.
I’m sending this out because I know ordinary people can make a difference. We have the power to save our children from transgender propaganda. I believe we should use that power to turn things around. Together, we can do this!
If you agree with what is written in my post (below), please participate by writing to the Minister for Education and passing the post on to your congregation and through your facebook site.
https://www.inhisname.com.au/post/you-can-help-make-our-schools-safe-again
It is usually communist countries that ban The Bible. I think that we are heading towards communism. Ms Castle should not have the right to tell people what they can say or write. Who gave Ms Castle authority to tell people what they are allowed to say or not say? Why does she think that she has these rights? It is Israel’s Folau’s business what he does in his own time. When he is off-duty then it is NONE of Rugby Australia’s business what he does. Why can’t Rugby Australia mind their own business?
Maybe we should get Ms Castle to highlight the sections in the Bible that we CAN quote. Who knows, she may learn the error of her ways or beliefs.
Yes it is possible Cheryl!
Comments like those by Tim Costello don’t help the situation: https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/christians-in-australia-need-to-suck-it-up-and-calm-down-over-religious-freedom-battle/news-story/653d519df4f48e92798fbe2d190d2fef
His view apparently is that Christians need to suck it up, While it is true that Australians are not being murdered or jailed for their faith, does it cease to be persecution when the oppression and mistreatment is merely getting fired or vilified? He also believes a Religious Freedom Act is unnecessary and suggests respect not rights should be the basis of freedom. The problem is Christians are already disrespected in Australia and that situation is only snowballing. How then can respect be relied upon? Legal rights can be perverted of course, but at least they should give protection in the short term. In the long term either Australia needs a revival, or Christians need to adopt to life under a totalitarian regime.
Yes quite right Andrew.
And yet, Amazon is willing to carry “Mein Kampf” and books that promote “boylove”.
Ms Castle is the one who has brought Rugby Australia into disrepute by using it to condemn Christianity, truth and free speech. Israel Folau, by attempting to bring sinners into the kingdom, has not.
Andrew S Mason is also correct about people like Tim Costello who, it appears, have not been put in a position of losing their career or their lifelong ambition or their business by the vain attempts of people to justify homosexuality or other sins. As much as we need to respect preachers, the fact is most of them effectively work in sheltered workshops as far as discrimination is concerned and don’t know what it is like to constantly face real discrimination in the workplace for attempting to stand up for truth. Far too many times in the discussion about religious freedom have the leaders in some churches considered only their own position and not that of their congregants who are attempting to make a living in a corrupt world. We also need to fight for the absolute right to raise our children as we see fit.
Religious freedom is not just for ministers of religion in the confines of church buildings. For people to say that just because we are not being killed and gaoled for our beliefs, yet, then that’s OK, is quite wicked. What he is doing is working to shut down the Gospel and I believe he will be held to account.
Hi Andrew,
I have zero respect for Tim Costello. I believe he is bordering on being a fake Christian. When he started pushing interfaith activities several years ago, that was it for me.
,
His comments are foolish “But when I hear Christians in Australia talking about being persecuted, I would say, ‘Just calm down’. I fear some are working themselves up into a lather that we Christians are all victims.” The content of Bill’s article proves how serious things are . When we have influencial people stating or purporting that parts of the Bible as essentially hate speech, we really have crossed a line. Simply because we are not thrown into prison now does not mean this is not going to occur in the near future. NOTE Christians have already been threatened with serious fines and potential imprisonment for their actions outside abortion Clinics.
Critically isn’t losing your ability to earn an income from a skill you have because you state what is in the Bible, also persecution. It clearly is. What right does an employer have to dictate what a person does in their free time. No Christian is safe as it stands now. In NSW we have had a lady who stood for ONE NATION in a Scott Morrison’s seat sacked by her employer.
When Christians have friends like TIM COSTELLO who needs Peter Fitzimmons (SMH) to push the GAY AGENDA, Very dissappointing and strategically naive by Tim,
Not much wisdom here,
best regards,
Philip B
An LGBTIQ ‘mental-health resource’ has been launched ahead of the religious discrimination bill-debate
Of note: Paradoxically, it was us and our marriages which were under attack during the postal survey.
An observation: Many within the collective-left seem to be extremely depressed and/ or extremely angry. Why is that so?
More on LGBTI depression / suicide.
https://lgbtihealth.org.au/statistics/
https://blog.canberradeclaration.org.au/2019/05/20/who-is-causing-youth-suicide-fitzsimons-or-folau/
Martyn Iles
https://youtu.be/BwMlZ6VOOUA
Michael Weeks,
Very well articulated,
I fully support your comments.
Of Critical importance is Anthony Fisher’s comments , the Catholic Church’s Archbishop in Sydney.
He has declared that “Christianity is under attack” and accused “powerful interests” of seeking to “marginalise religious believers and beliefs, especially Christian ones, and exclude them from public life”.
How is it that the Archbishop can see the seriousness of the issue, yet Costello is in denial or downplaying the threat?
Just mind boggling to me. Praise God for ACL, Bill M, AFC, the archbishop, Margaret Court,Canberra declaration and many others who are prepared to fight the battle.
Great article Bill,
Phil
Well said Bill and Tim Costello’s view to hide under a mushroom will not stop books being burnt or your accurately predicted consequences so validated by history.
Keep up the good work for Truth.
You are a champion.
Many thanks Jim. Bless you.
Well, Bill, it will come to pass sooner than later that those who choose to wear a cross around their necks and as ear piercings could be banned for life from life.
The other point I want to make to Rugby Australia is this. How many Rugby players have tattoos that are direct quotes from the bible? How many Rugby players have other religious type tattoos that express their deep faith in Jesus?
I remember when I was very young a gentleman who lived in the rocks Sydney would walk the city streets at night writing on walls around the city the word ‘Eternity” he did that for years and he was never banned from doing that.
So what is the difference between Izzy’s posting and the gent who wrote Eternity in a perfect script?
The message of the cross has and always will be offensive. How we so desperately need the ability to love our enemies and do good to them that abuse us. God have mercy.
Life Site News on the petition.
https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/ex-gays-petition-amazon-to-stop-banning-books-that-help-with-unwanted-same-sex-attraction
Apparently this is an affliate of Voice of the Voiceless. Help too if you can.
https://joel225.org/donate