An annual event, Weekend in Old Monmouth is a time when 43 sites in the county open our doors as historical sites to the public to learn more about our history. Established in 1688 as the Middletown Baptist Church, our church, now known as Old First is one of the sites. It’s always interesting to hear comments from people as they come through the church.
This year, as I explained the origins of the church and spoke about the history of religious tolerance in New Jersey, visitors were unusually open about the current political and social situation today. Quite a few decried the lack of tolerance and understanding of the importance of free speech in America today.
One woman on the faculty of a college, noted how students had begun to self-censor themselves, afraid of repercussions, fearful that their comments might preclude them from professional advancement. Last week, a professor at Rutgers wrote about much the same thing. We should all be concerned if the generation that will replace us is so fearful. It’s a far cry from the anniversary we will celebrate this year.
Prayer for the Day
Frustrated and upset, we come to you, O Holy One,
Seeking mercy when we do not extend it to others;
Confused and often bewildered, we seek answers
But often we are not sure of what questions to ask.
Forgive us the anger we often hide inside ourselves;
And open us to a new way of caring for others.
In the name of the One who is your ultimate gift,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Threats to free speech do not end at the campus gate — they affect us all. When students are no longer exposed to a variety of viewpoints and faculty feel compelled to limit their speech on and off campus, democracy itself is at risk. Censoring ourselves is indefensible, regardless of the threats. Silencing voices weakens academic freedom and undermines education.
Linda Stamato, Bloustein School of Public Policy, Rutgers University
Without Freedom of Thought, there can be no such thing as Wisdom; and no such thing as public liberty, without Freedom of Speech.
Benjamin Franklin, Patriot (1706-1790)
Woe to timid hearts and to slack hands, and to the sinner who talks a double path!
Woe to the fainthearted who have no trust! Therefore they will have no shelter.
Woe to you who have lost your nerve!
What will you do when the Lord’s reckoning comes?
The Wisdom of Sirach 2: 12-14