Are Christians guilty of hate speech?

Answer

A precise definition of hate speech is “speech that is intended to insult, intimidate, or cause prejudice against a person or people based on their race, gender, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, occupation, disability, or physical appearance.” If this is the accepted definition, a Christian should never engage in hate speech. However, the issue lies in the fact that the definition of hate speech is expanding over time. Asserting that a particular belief is incorrect or that a specific activity is sinful, grounded in biblical principles, is increasingly falling under the umbrella of hate speech.

Ephesians 4:15 mentions “speaking the truth in love.” First Peter 3:15 instructs Christians to defend their faith, but to do so “with gentleness and respect.” Colossians 4:6 advises, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt.” Regrettably, some Christians neglect to adhere to these biblical guidelines. Some Christians (or individuals who profess to be Christians) speak the truth, but do so in a very hateful manner. A notable example is the Westboro Baptist Church and its “God hates fags” slogan. While the Westboro Baptist Church is accurate in affirming the Bible’s teaching that homosexuality is sinful, they convey this truth in a manner intended to be inflammatory, offensive, and hurtful. Needless to say, the Bible does not endorse such approaches.

It is probable that in the near future, governments will start categorizing more speech as hate speech, potentially rendering it illegal. In certain regions of the world, it is unlawful to state that homosexuality is a sin. In some countries, it is illegal to assert the correctness of one religion over others. This gradual broadening of what constitutes hate speech could eventually result in any evangelistic endeavor being labeled as hate speech, as it might be deemed “hateful” to inform an individual that their current beliefs are incorrect.

It’s incorrect.

What the perpetrators of this expanded hate speech definition fail to realize (or admit) is that to tell someone the truth is an act of love, not hate. Is it hateful for a teacher to inform a student that their answer is incorrect? Is it hateful for a building inspector to inform a construction company that they are building on a faulty foundation? Of course, the answer to these questions is no. However, that is precisely the illogic that is being applied to current hate speech legislation. Informing someone that their religious views are incorrect is somehow hateful. Informing someone that their lifestyle is immoral is somehow hateful. The logic is not, in any sense, consistent with how truth is determined in other areas of society.

At GotQuestions.org, our aim is to speak the truth in love. We do not harbor hatred towards Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Catholics, Mormons, or Jehovah’s Witnesses. Instead, we simply believe that these groups are making some serious theological and biblical errors. We do not harbor hatred towards homosexuals, adulterers, pornographers, transsexuals, or fornicators. Instead, we simply believe that those who engage in such acts are making immoral and ungodly decisions. Informing someone that they are mistaken is not hateful. In reality, refusing to tell someone the truth is what is truly hateful. Declaring the speaking of truth, presented respectfully, to be hate speech is, in fact, the ultimate demonstration of hate.