A battle over free speech dominates the newsfeeds of online media. The rhetoric grows harsher as two sides seek to establish competing narratives. Are our universities dominated by a privileged class that forces vulnerable minorities to study in a hostile environment, or is the problem really that emotionally fragile students cannot handle dissenting opinions without experiencing emotional meltdowns? It can be difficult to establish a clear definition of safe spaces or to determine limits to the right of students to govern their participation in curriculum they find troubling. Any effort to communicate is frustrated by different sides using similar moral terminology with different meanings, one objectively grounded and the other emotionally grounded. We must recommit to understanding universities as institutions aimed at fostering open dialogue in pursuit of knowledge and truth.
The Bible offers examples of countering bad speech with good speech through the examples of both Jesus and Paul. We cannot become so afraid of offending others that we cease to equip the next generation.
This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation with Journal author author Jay Watts about his article “When Freedom of Expression and Emotions Collide on Campus” . He answers questions including: What are safe spaces and trigger warnings? Does this issue transcend the normal conservative versus progressive liberal dynamic that so often plays out in cultural conflict? Does commitment to freedom of expression mean that everyone must be allowed to speak? Even Nazis?
We’d also like to invite you to subscribe to the Journal. To subscribe to the Journal, please click here.
When you to subscribe to the Journal, you join the team of print subscribers whose paid subscriptions help provide the resources at equip.org that minister to people worldwide. These resources include our free online-exclusive articles, such as this review, as well as our free Postmodern Realities podcast.
Another way you can support keeping our resources free is by leaving us a tip. A tip is just a small amount, like $3 or $5, which is the cost for some of a latte, lunch out, or coffee drink. To leave a tip, click here.
Other articles and Postmodern Realities podcasts related to this topic:
Episode 137 How We Lost the Universities and How to Reclaim the Voice of Christ
How We Lost the Universities and How to Reclaim the Voice of Christ
Episode 124 Conscience, Justice, Morality and the College Admissions Scandal
Conscience, Justice, Morality and the College Admissions Scandal
Episode 007: Rape and Sexual Violence on the College Campus
Rape and Sexual Violence on Campus
State School? Christian College? Navigating the Many Choices
Out of the Nest and Off to College: A Time for Exploration