Christians and Hate Speech

Hate speech.  The phrase implies something horrible – but what exactly is it?

In late February / early March a couple of headlines caught my eye.  Two supreme courts – one in Canada, and one in Mexico.

In Canada, the Supreme Court ruled against William Whatcott, a Roman Catholic activist who was accused of hate speech due to his pamphlets written against homosexuality.

A part of the case centred around the fact that Whatcott’s pamphlets didn’t speak against homosexuals directly, but spoke against behaviour and political agendas.  The court ruled that the term “hate speech” applies not only to speech against a group – but against behaviours as well.

It seems to me that although the terminology wasn’t sweeping – they weren’t specifically saying “Never speak against someone’s behaviour” – neither was it specific enough to avoid considerable confusion in the future.

Whatever Mr. Whatcott’s methods may have been, it does seem like it the ruling could easily expand to others who might dare to suggest that any particular behaviour is “sinful”.

Meanwhile in Mexico, in a much more specific decision, the Supreme Court ruled that certain slang terms used to describe homosexuals were not protected as free speech.  Though the words are very common, users can now be sued.

Of course, Christians in both countries are now breathing a sigh of relief, knowing that soon they too will be protected from much of the hateful speech that is directed toward them…

No – actually – they’re not.  And not just because they expect no such ruling.  There’s another reason.

Although Christians certainly speak out against disrespect and persecution against other believers, they serve a Messiah who brought them salvation in a time when He was being mocked and beaten (Isaiah 53:5).  Since the earliest times, Christians have thanked God for the opportunity to share in Christ’s suffering.

Consider these quotes from the first years of Christianity:

…when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.  Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name.
(Acts 5:40-41)

So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
(Ephesians 3:13)

For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
(1Peter 2:19)

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.
(1Peter 3:14)

Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
(2Timothy 2:3)

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling…
(2Timothy 1:8-9)

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance…
(Romans 5:3)

For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake…
(Philippians 1:29)

This is no reason to forget our brothers and sisters who are in prison for Jesus’ sake (Hebrews 13:3).  The point is not that we should no longer fight against injustice and hate.

But though we don’t seek persecution, we can actually thank God for it when it comes.

And when it comes, we’re not surprised by it.  Remember…

When they [Paul and Barnabas] had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
(Acts 14:21-22)

If the world hates you, know that it has hated me [Jesus] before it hated you.  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
(John 15:18-19)

Behold, I [Jesus] am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.  Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you bin their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.
(Matthew 10:16-18)

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
(1Peter 4:12-13)

In Mexico, Christian churches are generally considered to be a cult or a sect (sadly, a few of the so-called “Christian” churches probably deserve the titles!).  You may remember that one of the earliest descriptions I heard of Christians in Mexico (from an unbeliever) was “racist“.

There’s a “lighter” term that is used in Mexico to mock believers (though still a word often used with hateful intention) – they are called “Alleluias”.

On certain nights members of our church open up a little restaurant to raise money for the church property we’re buying.  And guess what they called the restaurant?  That’s right – The Alleluias.

True to form – believers taking a term of mockery and wearing it as a badge of honour.  In fact, it appears that the term “Christian” was first used as a term of mockery.  And we’re using it still.

Should we be concerned about hate?  Yes.  Fight injustice, and speak with respect.

But in the end, as as believers, we remember that the world will hate us.  If it does, for the right reasons, we know we’re on the right side.