Freedom of speech or foolish?
2007-11-16 09:33
Johannesburg - Afrikaans newspaper Rapport has scrapped writer Deon Maas's column after his piece on Satanism prejudiced the paper's commercial interests, its editor said on Thursday... Full story
What do you think?
Dear Editor,
I have followed the story about Deon Maas and Rapport with interest. As a Christian, I feel that those of us who are committed should state clearly that we do not see Satanism as some innocent alternative philosophy... it has wrecked many lives and is anything but harmless.
In that regard, I disapprove of Deon's views, but I defend his right to air them... silly misguided man!
He is out to get a reaction and his wish has been granted... the country is humming and he has attracted the kind of publicity that he obviously craves.
What we must learn, however, is that there are two sides to this coin: that we as Christians must stand up for our faith (as the Muslims did with regard to the cartoon about Mohammed) and that we must also learn to argue our case and not ban everything that we find distasteful.
In this way we shall emerge stronger than we were before.
Heather Ellis
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Dear Editor,
Once again the mother grundies of commercialised organised religion have struck a blow for the "freedom" of religion. I speak of course, of Deon Maas, the unfortunate writer who dared to voice his opinion on Satanism in a local paper.
The ensuing boycott has resulted in his dismissal from the newspaper concerned while the puritanical, narrow minds of organised religion sit back smugly with a "That'll show him" look on their faces.
Now where is the freedom of choice being honoured, freedom of speech, freedom of press? Once again some people have decided its in the best interests of the mindless sheep of the church, for them to decide what is right and wrong.
As Mr Maas said, the church should be grateful to the devil (if he exists because the NG Church has'nt decided on that as yet) as he keeps them in business. Moreover, people should realise that they don't need the church, the church needs them.
It is not in the church's interest to allow free thought. So they remove those in society who speak their minds because they are the real threat.
Sean
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