Censorship, in the context of biblical and Christian thought, refers to the suppression or regulation of speech, communication, or information that is considered objectionable, harmful, or sensitive. The concept of censorship can be explored through various biblical principles and narratives that address the power of words, the importance of truth, and the responsibility of believers to uphold righteousness.

Biblical Principles on Speech and Truth

The Bible places significant emphasis on the power of words and the importance of truth. Proverbs 18:21 states, "Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." This highlights the profound impact that speech can have, both positively and negatively. The Bible encourages believers to speak truthfully and to avoid deceit. Ephesians 4:25 instructs, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another."

Guarding Against Corrupt Communication

Scripture also warns against corrupt communication and the spread of harmful or false information. Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This verse underscores the responsibility of believers to ensure that their words are edifying and beneficial to others.

The Role of Discernment

Discernment is a key biblical principle related to censorship. Believers are called to discern between good and evil, truth and falsehood. Hebrews 5:14 states, "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil." This discernment is essential in determining what information should be embraced or rejected.

Censorship in Biblical Narratives

Throughout the Bible, there are instances where information is controlled or restricted for the greater good. In the Old Testament, the prophets often spoke against false prophets and misleading messages. Jeremiah 23:16 warns, "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.'"

In the New Testament, the early church faced challenges with false teachings and heresies. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently addressed the need to guard against false doctrines. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4 , Paul writes, "For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."

The Responsibility of Believers

Believers are called to uphold the truth and to be vigilant against falsehood. This responsibility includes the careful consideration of what is communicated and shared within the community of faith. Colossians 4:6 encourages, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly address modern concepts of censorship, the principles of truth, discernment, and the power of words provide a framework for understanding the importance of regulating harmful or false information. Believers are called to be stewards of truth, ensuring that their communication aligns with biblical values and contributes to the edification of the body of Christ.Leviticus 19:19
You shall keep my statutes. You shall not let your cattle engender with a diverse kind: you shall not sow your field with mingled seed: neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woolen come on you.
Topicalbible.org

Leviticus 20:13
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be on them.
Topicalbible.org

Leviticus 19:27
You shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shall you mar the corners of your beard.
Topicalbible.org

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
... 20.7); in order, assuredly, that, when he considers it opportune, he may relinquish
the censorship of silence, and apply himself to the service of utility by ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xiv how the silent.htm

Appendix.
... I, ch.10, par.1-13; E. Petavel, "The Bible in France," ch.2, par.3, 4, 8-10, 13,
21 (Paris ed., 1864); GH Putnam, "The Censorship of the Church of Rome," Vol. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /appendix.htm

Preface.
... My book was, as I had anticipated, suppressed by the Russian censorship; but partly
owing to my literary reputation, partly because the book had excited ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tolstoy/the kingdom of god is within you/preface.htm

General Consistency of the Apostle.
... If you wish to imbibe to the utmost all knowledge of the apostle, in order to
understand with what an axe of censorship he lops, and eradicates, and extirpates ...
/.../tertullian/on modesty/chapter xvi general consistency of the.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... Committee of Censors. It was strongly backed by the Civil Governor of Madrid,
within whose department the Censorship is. In this ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 8.htm

The Persecution under Decius, and the Sufferings of Origen.
... He therefore revived the old censorship, hoping that the moral and social habits
of the people might be improved under its influence; and he endeavored to ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxxix the persecution under decius.htm

Epistle cxxv. To Maximus, Bishop of Salona .
... in cherishing virtues, soothing the minds of hearers; in anger, retaining judgment
without anger, but in calmness not relinquishing the censorship of your ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle cxxv to maximus bishop.htm

Epistle Lx. To Romanus and Other Guardians (Defensores) of the ...
... with women, do thou entirely put a stop to this, and for the future by no means
suffer any women to reside with them, except such as the censorship of the ...
/.../gregory/the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle lx to romanus and.htm

Epistle xxix. To the Presbyters and Clergy of Mediolanum (Milan) .
... Wherefore, most dear sons, we, warned by our sense of the censorship of our office,
urge you in this matter of getting yourselves a bishop that none of you ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxix to the presbyters.htm

The Mendicant Orders
... who succeeded him in the headship of the Order, not merely the religious instruction
of the households of popes and cardinals, but also the censorship of books ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter xiii the mendicant orders.htm

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus