Why Islam
Should Value Free Speech
In the
aftermath of the violence and death following the internet distribution of an
execrable anti-Muslim film, Muslims around the world expressed perplexity at
the West’s principle of “free speech.”
How could America permit such vicious attacks on their beloved Prophet
and defend them as “free speech”? Should
people be free to insult the most deeply held religious convictions of
others? What sort of freedom, some
wondered, is that? While I understand
the anguish and perplexity I would argue that Islam would be better off both in
the West and in majority Muslim countries with more, rather than less, free
speech. Christians, Jews, and Muslims in
the West are all subject to insults, mockery, and attacks on their most
cherished convictions and beloved leaders and prophets. Living in pluralistic societies means that
differences of opinion are rife and the marketplace of ideas not a place for
the faint of heart. Roman Catholic and
Evangelical Christians are perhaps most susceptible to scornful, vicious and
frequently unfair attacks. I am not
surprised to see vicious attacks on my Christian faith daily on Facebook, in
the newspaper, and every other media one can think of. The so-called new atheists have made good
livings sneering at people of faith.
Such attacks are not pleasant, but I think there are very good reasons
to welcome and not resist them. First,
some of the attacks are merited.
Unfortunately Christians have not always lived in accordance with the
teachings of Jesus. Our history is as
marked by hypocrisy and violence as it is by sincerity and truth. We need our critics to help us face our most
blatant and obvious failures. They hold
up a mirror to us and what we see is not always pleasant. Second, opposition to our faith strengthens
rather than weakens us. Sociologist
Rodney Stark has argued that in countries and regions of the world where one
form of Christian faith is dominant (Roman Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant)
the vigor and depth of the actual faith of individuals is considerably less
than it may appear. Stark suggests that
in European countries where Christianity was the state religion, Christian
faith collapsed quickly when threatened by secularism. But in countries like the United States where
faith traditions have had to compete and defend their message, faith has
remained stronger and more vital. In
countries where Islam is dominant it may appear universally accepted and
enduringly vital. But the experience of
other Religious traditions would suggest this may be an illusion. A religious monopoly involving the silencing
of any criticism from the outside may appear to strengthen Islam. But the opposite may be the case. It is not pleasant for me to hear insults to
my faith, to Jesus, and to the church.
But in the end, as a Christian I am forced to hear these criticisms,
ponder their truth, and strengthen my resolve to communicate more clearly and
live more faithfully. I would suggest
that Islam would be better served to stop criticizing free speech and start
welcoming the challenge it brings. In
the end, however painful, Islam will be the better for it.
John E.
Phelan, Jr.
