Self-censorship

Strange how the free press is so reluctant to print those cartoons that have caused such a frenzy in parts of the Muslim world and Europe. Newspapers have little compunction about publishing hurtful caricatures of Christian symbols (even a crucifix immersed in a jar of urine is fair game), and talk of a Christian “Taliban” is all too common.

Where then does this hesitation about offending Muslims come from? While one might hope that the media are becoming more sensitive toward those with strong religious beliefs, I believe the explanation lies elsewhere. Seeing embassies burning and Dutch filmmakers butchered on the street has a way of turning secular lions into frightened followers of Muslim law.

About Stan Guthrie

Stan Guthrie is an editor at large for Christianity Today magazine and for the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview. His latest book is God's Story in 66 Verses. He also is author of All that Jesus Asks: How His Questions Can Teach and Transform Us, Missions in the Third Millennium: 21 Key Trends for the 21st Century, and A Concise Guide to Bible Prophecy. He is co-author of The Sacrament of Evangelism. Besides authoring, writing, and editing books, Stan is a literary agent, bringing together good authors, good books, and good publishers. Stan writes the monthly Priorities colum for BreakPoint.org. He has appeared on National Public Radio's €œTell Me More,€ WGN's Milt Rosenberg program, and many Christian shows, including The Eric Metaxas Show and Moody Radio'€™s €œNew Day Florida.€ A licensed minister and an inspirational speaker, he served as moderator for the Christian Book Expo panel discussion, Does the God of Christianity Exist, and What Difference Does It Make?
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