Liberating Speech--Today: Essays on the Freedom to Speak Out (or Hold Your Tongue) in an Interconnected World

In the wake of the furious demonstrations and debates evoked by terrorist attacks in Paris and elsewhere Dr. Andersons pithy essays unfold respectful moderating responses that take seriously the cultural and religious differences that breed resentment between peoples and convulse the media. Written from a Reformed theological perspective his reflections unfold the dynamics of free and faithful self-expression that promise happier human-scaled interpersonal international and inter-faith relations. Whether your communications are across the back fence on the political stump from the pulpit writers desk or TV stage--whether you are a teacher corporate agent public servant or soldier you will find yourself reinforced and challenged to deepen the very roots of your calling and speak out in the fullest freedom. This book could not be more timely. In an age of irresponsible attacks and insensitive cartoons that evoke terrible reprisals and violence Raymond Anderson argues for sensitivity and compassion in private and public discourse. Freedom of speech is often abused so that free speech can and often does have a price. Anderson illustrates in countless ways how freedom of speech can be cruel and insensitive. The author offers much wisdom in response to this phenomenon. --I. John Hesselink Professor of Theology Emeritus Western Theological Seminary Holland Michigan Raymond Kemp Anderson served many years as Professor and Chairman of the Philosophy and Religion Department at Wilson College Pennsylvania. He did his doctoral studies under the eminent Reformed theologian Karl Barth at the University of Basel Switzerland and is an ordained minister and leader in the Presbyterian Church. His works focus on Biblical ethics in the Reformed Church tradition. He is the author of An American Scholar Recalls Karl Barths Golden Years as a Teacher and Karl Barths Table Talk.