Censorship

Censorship     

Submitted by Thomas Stidl

         I never that I would need to write an article about this subject, but unfortunately, even in the beginning of the 21st century, this subject still rears its ugly head.  As you may or may not know, when an author writes an article for Catholic365, the author receives an email along with a one-line post.  The author is then told to advertise their writings on social media to advertise themselves and Catholic365.  I had been writing a social media post called “My Weekly Religious Column”.  I placed the one line post within that column on a social media outlet called Nextdoor.  I have been posting my articles on Nextdoor for 34 weeks without a problem.  I had a weekly following ranging from 300 to 747 readers.  I have received many messages thanking me for these articles and their inspirations.  On week 35’s article, I did not receive a “following” report.  I thought that it was odd, so I posted a week 36 posting with two of my articles.  When I logged into my e-mail account the next day, I was greeted by the following message.

Gregg Kits

5:36 pm

Tom, I am one of the Lead Moderators. You posted 33 minutes ago "Here is this week's religious column: Please note that Religion and National politics are not permitted on Nextdoor. I disagree personally but I have to follow the rules. Your post has been reported and will be removed. Please take a minute and delete the post.

         Naturally, I felt heartsick.  I did not know how to delete my post.  I finally figured out how to do that and complied with that request.  I no longer post any religious articles on Nextdoor.  During the past few weeks, I was trying to decide whether to continue writing even for Catholic365.  I found my answer in the Acts of the Apostles where the disciples were told never to preach about Jesus in Jerusalem by the Jewish hierarchy.  They found joy and peace in the fact that they were made to suffer this indignity for preaching the word of God.  I also found this joy and peace for the indignity of censorship.  Anyone who preaches the word of God and suffers this indignity should be joyful that they have been found worthy of being in the company of the apostles.  I never thought of myself as an apostle.  That title is up to Jesus to confer on a person.

         As you can see, I have begun to write articles again.  I have found a new zeal for preaching the message of the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  I have forgiven Nextdoor in the same spirit as Jesus forgave his murderers from the cross and Saint Stephen who forgave those people who stoned him to death.  The fight for freedom of expression must never be restrained or restricted unless it incites violent harm to anyone.  Our ancestors fought many wars for this freedom.  Rest assured, my articles never incite violence.  Rather, my articles teach us to live peacefully with God and all your neighbors wherever they reside.

         Until next time, Laus Tibi, Christe.  Deo Gratias.  Gloria Tibi Domini.  Praise be to God.  See you in Paradise.