Dr. Laura's Gaffe

First a disclaimer, I never listen to Dr. Laura's radio show. Whenever I have scanned over it in the past I have never lingered. I am no fan. Nor am I a fan of political correctness (PC). I defend a person's right to speak the truth, without the verbal gymnastics that our current PC climate seems to necessitate.

Still, I believe one can speak the truth with sensitivity. One can speak the truth with respect for others. One can speak the "truth in love," to be Biblical (Ephesians 4:15). The context of that passage of scripture might help Dr. Laura, and the rest of us, to use our right of free speech with greater grace.

The writer is urging us toward spiritual maturity, to aim toward the "stature of Christ," so that we may "grow up in every way into him who is the head." So, as Americans, we may feel like we have the right to say whatever is on our mind, but even that right is subject to limitations. One can't yell "fire" in a crowded movie theater unless, of course, there really is a fire. Several kinds of "hate speech," are against the law in this country. So, to paraphrase a popular modern slogan, "Freedom (of speech) is not free." Speaking the "n" word has consequences.

Then, how does Christian faith empower, or limit, the kind of speech we use? How does our imperative to love one another affect the way we speak the truth? I would argue that our speech becomes both more critical, in the prophetic sense of the word, but also more gracious. More critical because we are compelled by our righteous God to identify the "powers and principalities," and to demand justice and integrity in all of society. More gracious because we are a people aware of our own shortcomings (read as "sin"), and thus demonstrating empathy for others.

So, what would I say to Dr. Laura, not that she'll ever read this blog which has a following of less than a handful of readers? I would probably say, "Conduct yourself wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone (Colossians 4:5-6)."

One last thing - the other night Dr. Laura was interviewed by Larry King. She said she is closing her radio show so she can say what she wants "without people getting angry." Good luck with that one. The Dixie Chicks have already learned that free speech carries consequences, including anger, loss of popularity and income. And as a preacher who speaks semi-publicly every Sunday, I have learned that almost any kind of speech, even what seems most benign, will make someone angry. And if you're telling the truth, especially The Truth, the powers and principalities might even crucify you.