The know-nothing attacks have been growing, not just in areas many in New Jersey consider backward, but here in our state and others in the Northeast that have long been considered bastions of free thought. First, they attacked teaching the reality of American history, then certain books in school libraries, and now public libraries.
As one librarian put it, if you don’t like it, put it back on the shelf, just as you would in a bookstore. Repressive cultures, fearful of new ideas, have long attacked the freedom to read. Fortunately, when a group of parents wanted to ban six books from the Glen Ridge public library, the community spoke up for the freedom to read.
Banning new ideas and books is not new. Socrates was accused of corrupting the morals of Athenian youth with his questions. Hitler and other dictators burned books. And Christians don’t have such a good track record either. The truth that sets us free is not confined to narrow and singular interpretations of Scripture, but to broadening our vision of God to reflect God’s infinitude.
Prayer for the Day
You beckon us to the light of knowledge O God,
Not to the darkness of those who spouse fear;
You call us to search out your truth in all things, O Lord,
Knowing that the fount of wisdom is as infinite as you.
Free us from our trepidations to ask questions never imagined,
And open us to the joy of discovering new things
In the name of the One who opens our minds,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
What is freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist.
- Salman Rushdie, novelist, essayist, free thinker
It's not just the books under fire now that worry me. It is the books that will never be written. The books that will never be read. And all due to the fear of censorship. As always, young readers will be the real losers.
- Judy Blume, author of Are You There God? Banned in some libraries
For wisdom is more mobile than any motion;
Because of her pureness she pervades and penetrates all things,
For she is a breath of the power of God,
And a pure emanation of the power of the Almighty.
Wisdom of Solomon 7: 24-25