The Wired Word for 09282025 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

The Wired Word for 09/28/2025 ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article4.6bc1851654a0.png) ## Metadata - Author: [[The Wired Word]] - Full Title: The Wired Word for 09/28/2025 - Category: #articles - Document Note: --- tags: - #freeSpeech - #media - #FCC Author: The Wired Word Editorial Team (Communication Resources) Source: The Wired Word — Weekly Lesson Reference: Week of 2025-09-28 (provided text) date created: 2025-09-28 09:00 --- # 🗞️ Title: Free Speech, Censorship, and the Kimmel Suspension ## 🧭 Table of Contents - [📝 Summary](#-summary) - [📖 Main Content](#-main-content) - [🗒️ Notes](#-notes) - [📖 References](#-references) - [🗣️ Paraphrase](#-paraphrase) - [📰 Newsletter](#-newsletter) - [✅ Action Items](#-action-items) - [🧪 Hypotheses](#-hypotheses) - [📊 Methodology](#-methodology) - [❓ Questions](#-questions) - [🔮 Future Research](#-future-research) - [💡 Implications](#-implications) - [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#-learning-styles-assessment) - [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#-accessibility-assessment) - [🌍 DEIB Assessment](#-deib-assessment) - [✅ Logical validity](#-logical-validity) - [🛡️ DARVO Analysis](#-darvo-analysis) - [🔍 SEO Evaluation](#-seo-evaluation) - [🎯 Conclusion](#-conclusion) ## 📝 Summary 🎬 The piece frames Jimmy Kimmel’s brief suspension and return as a stress test for free speech in an era of heated politics. 🏛️ It spotlights tension between corporate discretion, government pressure, and First Amendment limits. 🕊️ It then pivots to church life, asking whether prophetic speech should be guarded even when offensive or untimely. 📖 Scripture selections model speech that creates, corrects, testifies, and refrains from snap judgment. ## 📖 Main Content 🧩 **Driving the news**: Kimmel was suspended after remarks tied to the killing of Charlie Kirk, then restored. The FCC chair’s threats triggered bipartisan alarms. ⚖️ **Why it matters**: State “jawboning” (coercive pressure without formal orders) can chill speech. Corporate moderation can, too. The line is blurry. 🧪 **The church angle**: Prophetic speech often stings before it heals. Nathan’s parable and Jesus before Pilate show truth-telling resisted by power. 🧭 **The civic angle**: Even offensive satire can serve democracy by complicating comfortable narratives. The cost of suppressing it is high. 🧱 **The workplace angle**: Employers retain broad discretion. Clear standards and viewpoint-neutral enforcement reduce politicized punishments. 🧠 **Takeaway**: Guard space for hard words. Correct errors openly. Resist state coercion. Practice humility when you hold the mic. ## 🗒️ Notes 🧵 **Timeline** 🔹 Sep 10: Kirk killed; investigation unfolds. 🔹 Sep 17–19: FCC chair criticizes Kimmel; ABC suspends production; affiliates react. 🔹 Sep 23: Kimmel returns with clarifications; affiliates phase back in. 🔹 Sep 26: Major station groups resume the show. 📡 **Key actors** 🔹 Late-night hosts defend speech norms across ideologies. 🔹 Sen. Ted Cruz warns that state intimidation boomerangs. 🔹 Disney/ABC cites timing and tone, not ideology, for the pause. 🕯️ **Scripture motifs** 🔹 *Genesis 1*: Creative speech orders chaos. 🔹 *2 Samuel 12*: Prophetic rebuke through narrative mirror. 🔹 *John 18*: Truth meets political expedience. 🔹 *1 Cor 4*: Suspend judgment; let God bring motives to light. 🧯 **Risk areas highlighted** 🔹 Government jawboning and implied licensing threats. 🔹 Corporate risk aversion during regulatory windows. 🔹 Audience polarization and incentive spirals on all sides. ## 📖 References 🔗 BBC, CNN, AP, LA Times, Reuters, Politifact, People Magazine, Wikipedia summaries (event pages), and industry trades (Variety/Hollywood Reporter). See citations after this note. ## 🗣️ Paraphrase 📝 **Para 1 (news setup)** The article explains that ABC pulled Kimmel after remarks tied to Kirk’s killing, amid harsh criticism from the FCC chair. The move sparked a national debate about whether government pressure should influence what a network airs. Soon after, the show returned, intensifying questions about censorship and free speech. 📝 **Para 2 (Disney statement)** ABC-Disney says the pause aimed to cool tensions during an emotional week. They judged some comments as poorly timed, not as policy violations. After discussions with Kimmel, the company decided to resume the show promptly. ## 📰 Newsletter 🎙️ **WordPress & the wider web**: Free speech collided with broadcast power as Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension and return put government “jawboning” under the microscope. Media law folks remind us: the First Amendment limits government, not employers, yet state pressure can still chill speech. For builders of open ecosystems, the lesson stands—publish clear policies, document decisions, and defend viewpoint-neutral rules. Links: AP recap, Reuters on the return, LA Times on affiliates, and a useful Politifact explainer. ## ✅ Action Items 🧭 **For DevRel & OSPO alignment (Courtney)** 🔹 Map “content governance” playbooks that mirror open-source norms: transparent processes, public rationale, and appeal paths. 🔹 Build training for community moderators on *viewpoint neutrality*, evidence standards, and audit trails. 🔹 Draft a **jawboning-resilience policy**: log government contacts, require written requests, publish transparency reports. 🔹 Prototype a **trust log** for editorial changes: who decided, what evidence, and how it aligns with policy. 🔹 Offer a WordPress toolkit for publishers: policy templates, alt-text checklists, and newsroom-style corrections. 🔹 Tie this to OSPO goals: governance maturity, contributor safety, and funding models that protect editorial independence. 🔹 Present a board-ready brief connecting speech norms to **ecosystem health** and **supply-chain trust** for The WPCC. ## 🧪 Hypotheses 🔬 H1: Documented, viewpoint-neutral moderation increases community trust and reduces escalation. 🔬 H2: Transparency reporting about government contacts reduces chilling effects. 🔬 H3: Clear corrections policies decrease misinformation persistence after high-profile errors. ## 📊 Methodology 🧪 **Design**: Mixed-methods—policy audits + user trust surveys + A/B tests on correction formats. 📈 **Data**: Moderation logs, transparency reports, affiliate decisions, engagement metrics. 🧮 **Analysis**: Interruption time series for trust indicators; causal inference with matched communities. ## ❓ Questions 🧩 Where is the line between editorial discretion and coerced censorship? 🧩 What correction style best repairs trust after viral errors? 🧩 How should churches set sermon boundaries without muting prophecy? ## 🔮 Future Research 🔭 Test “cool-down” policies versus immediate on-air corrections. 🔭 Model regulatory risk during mergers for newsrooms and affiliates. 🔭 Evaluate sermon-policy frameworks that protect conscience and reduce partisanship. ## 💡 Implications 🏛️ Policy: Guard against coercive state pressure; require public documentation of contacts. 🏢 Practice: Publish corrections playbooks; train hosts and pastors on high-heat topics. 🌐 Open source: Treat content rules like governance—transparent, auditable, and participatory. ## 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment 👀 **Visual**: Text-heavy; add timelines, flowcharts for decision paths. 👂 **Aural**: Offer an audio version and a short podcast recap. 🗣️ **Verbal**: Strong narrative; add glossaries for legal terms. ✋ **Kinesthetic**: Include exercises (draft a corrections policy; run a role-play). 🧮 **Logical**: Add matrices comparing employer control vs. state action. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 **Social**: Provide discussion prompts and small-group scenarios. 🧍 **Solitary**: Add reflection prompts tied to the four scriptures. 🌿 **Naturalistic**: Use analogies from stewardship and ecosystems for governance health. 📚 **Readability**: Upper high-school to early college; shorten sentences and define jargon. ## 📊 Accessibility Assessment 🦻 Ensure semantic headings and ARIA landmarks. 🖼️ Provide alt-text if images are used later. ⌨️ Verify full keyboard navigation for web versions. 🔳 Use high-contrast text; support text resizing without layout breakage. ## 🌍 DEIB Assessment 🗺️ Invite voices across political and theological spectra. 🧩 Use inclusive, plain language; define terms. 🧠 Support neurodiversity: shorter paragraphs, visible summaries, predictable structure. 🧑🏽‍🧑🏻‍🧑🏿 Add ex - Summary: Comedian and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel was recently removed from the air after making comments about the man accused of murdering Charlie Kirk. Dear Class Members, Comedian and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel was recently removed from the air after making comments about the man accused of murdering Charlie Kirk. The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission called Kimmel's comments "sick" and ABC-Disney pulled him, leading many to question the government's role in regulating speech. Then Kimmel's show was restored. This installment of *The Wired Word* will focus on the power of speech and the danger of censorship, in both church and state. ![](https://www.thewiredword.com/_img/tww_logo_email.jpg) **Fear of Censorship Arises After Jimmy Kimmel Removal** ***The Wired Word*** **for the Week of September 28, 2025** **In the News** Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) said on Friday, September 19, that he was "thrilled" that comedian and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel had been taken off the air. ABC-Disney pulled Kimmel after he made comments about the man accused of murdering conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. The *BBC* reports that the controversy flared up after Kimmel said in his monologue that the "MAGA gang" were "desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them" and were trying to "score political points from it." Brendan Carr, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which regulates broadcast airwaves in the public interest, called Kimmel's comments "sick" and threatened to take action because Kimmel had appeared to "directly mislead the American public." Carr was appointed by President Trump before his first term, again by President Biden and once more by Trump upon his reelection. Conservatives noted that Kimmel was pushing a false narrative by suggesting Kirk's suspected killer was a MAGA (Make America Great Again) Republican. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, is registered as an unaffiliated voter, while his parents are registered Republicans. Robinson had "very different" political views from those of his conservative family, according to relatives. "There clearly was a leftist ideology," Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said (see *The Wired Word* for September 21, 2025, "Kirk Murder Raises Concerns About Political Violence"). According to *Fox News,* podcaster Stephen L. Miller says that Kimmel "spread a false and verifiable lie and the network and Disney rightfully freaked out about it," while *The Free Press'*s Eli Lake wrote, "Let’s separate two things. Jimmy Kimmel is an unfunny mediocrity and his take on Charlie Kirk was tasteless, stupid and factually vacant. At the same time the chairman of the FCC should not be programming late night television. That's a violation of the First Amendment." Lake believes that the government should stay away from such matters. Ted Cruz would agree. "I hate what Jimmy Kimmel said," Cruz declared on his podcast. "But let me tell you: If the government gets in the business of saying, 'We don't like what you, the media, have said. We're going to ban you from the airwaves if you don't say what we like,' that will end up bad for conservatives." According to *CNN*, Cruz denounced FCC Chairman Carr's threats to pull ABC's broadcast license as "unbelievably dangerous." Cruz said that the government should not get into the business of policing speech, claiming that it could come back to hurt conservatives when Democrats retake power. With his words, conservative Cruz joined a number of progressives who had condemned the comments of the FCC chairman. Cruz chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which has authority over the FCC. "Going down this road, there will come a time when a Democrat wins [the White House] again," said Cruz. At that time, he predicted, "they will silence us. They will use this power, and they will use it ruthlessly. And that is dangerous." Appearing on Benny Johnson's podcast, Carr had threatened to take action against broadcasters. "I mean, look, we can do this the easy way or the hard way," Carr said. "These companies can find ways to change conduct, to take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or you know, there's going to be additional work for the FCC ahead." ABC-Disney pulled Kimmel's show off the air indefinitely the day after Carr made those comments. On CBS, *The Late Show* host Stephen Colbert said: "To Jimmy, I say I stand with you and your staff 100%." He said Kimmel's suspension was "blatant censorship" and the "latest and boldest action in a long campaign against media critics." Colbert's show has also been cancelled, and will end in May 2026. According to the *BBC*, CBS said in July that cancelling *The Late Show* was "purely a financial decision," but some observers have linked the cancellation to a federal decision on a merger involving CBS' parent company, Paramount. Former late-night host David Letterman said, "I feel bad about this, because we all see where this is going, correct? It's managed media. It's no good. It's silly. It's ridiculous." Conan O'Brien, who hosted late-night talk shows on NBC and TBS, wrote on X that the "promise to silence other Late Night hosts for criticising the administration should disturb everyone on the Right, Left, and Center. It's wrong and anyone with a conscience knows it's wrong." Seth Meyers, the host of NBC's *Late Night*, saidat the beginning of his program, "this is a big moment in our democracy and we must all stand up for freedom of expression." On Monday, September 22, ABC-Disney decided to restore Kimmel's show. In a statement, the company said, "Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country." The decision was made "because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday." More on this story can be found at these links: [U.S. TV Hosts Back Jimmy Kimmel and Lampoon Donald Trump in Free Speech Row.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPN6H9bXG5FD2vf7eZP7qLxI0phc0BeAxzBcT1VM16eek1LukXtlkQW6OzCfmsLoyVQ-3D-3D1pRH_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiLcwqEQC30dpFtIgS18bMDzfbsZTz7ssDWht4mwbDCVZPJ3d1QhmFuGTcIDzgZlfP9uugXOTiGWLb4EHdqFvAGLxGWBv-2FwZomHwHgZOIFu5jdKygU0U7qP3F08uddysx9-2B8AfPAK9319MpVP2wkgXPDGWXf4qFU-2FU7TJBbzYQ6eiK1FqbGSG1-2FP3-2F2bf2rj3QBru5pNHsgLiKKnWnc8VFVM-3D) [*BBC*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPN6H9bXG5FD2vf7eZP7qLxI0phc0BeAxzBcT1VM16eek1LukXtlkQW6OzCfmsLoyVQ-3D-3Dhhf9_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiOZALSaaGeEg8vUlA58FQJdtPLeojS1nbEMOSOsJohARxzzHkb5Ow-2BzbNmO2RDCixyqAkTpn-2BiDeI5Uw6-2B7vJubCjH9GyFP7ty-2FHsk-2Fs-2Bvely1NhFrtFMqlITlm9pxTd-2FQs9jr1F0ponPKIrNt6p9kRhmA8dLTbcD5WQufNyIUNLOxDgq6CyFkrGQnoyZgf2onPi-2FhDK81JzCa5JR-2BfmnPk-3D) [Disney's Jimmy Kimmel Benching Prompts Celebration, but Also Caution, From Conservatives.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUF-2BGkEm6kdLyGrp1SlwUOSgY-2BqmQuWplVeVFWhJWjKcNxpV8oZlmDgEeM-2BB7ofWEq2kJupR7K-2Bt-2Bpxmv6NVrNGI99okqFnY05Vso48BX7thDxmIjQoLk1bsNFp8fNHD7eA-3DaIi6_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiLAxCwRgm3tcGDEDBQPZFRaBWHUe8jM6klI1zzJqrI-2Fw1CJ6p0C-2F-2FlGst-2FWGMXYXAbKwedGOuY3eeunwelO-2BOBMx4-2B62SmD92p2VdsG684LQ-2BGcpPocXY9LedzznKLgBPfXyRBeLptxnBCB3YhVh78fxOgfLbSARGjpVbLduOpdh-2BzxOp99maFSaUzXt6-2F0zK1w59D7IGse3PokfZb57BLY-3D) [*Fox News*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUF-2BGkEm6kdLyGrp1SlwUOSgY-2BqmQuWplVeVFWhJWjKcNxpV8oZlmDgEeM-2BB7ofWEq2kJupR7K-2Bt-2Bpxmv6NVrNGI99okqFnY05Vso48BX7thDxmIjQoLk1bsNFp8fNHD7eA-3D0Cz1_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiB9WQH9vACmP78Vo8BHYs8dZvYvSRKlm3Ae7UjF6lUbdr0uoVb7NnTsHEXEt6TGM6Dp9nfWdsb42CmWB7LlPkyudEQlFkl7FGOsJFuhy4LbUcehGmM8aiNkYy0qAO2ECA9X4Jvs1EChG9nv0cTUb21ytiphNs45uup8Iq8a8dRK1VCiKXiR14MWMqSbS0lWGM65AC9siPMfWRV8s3QxZUSA-3D) *'*[Dangerous as Hell': Ted Cruz Compares FCC Chair's Threats Against ABC to Mob Tactics.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKy3TtZJUNBApOSK1-2FQMe4EAO1Aq4oEV67uuxJLedMZyhE4RqmCZ8pq0q7-2B0DkLUzF-2BAWy2Vo2GWb7Y7Bll3xG0-3D1Lza_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiGESaIywcWd16DDnpRokX2b-2B2UxJp-2FCr1Bqo24iPl24lU8Vgbni7WLaKw2up4beMew-2BCqrs2J8uCnAxSMWVTEnm3vUon-2FGtpu1RyoXf8SjnNx-2FjZeN1qw-2FKoz1lAGBQUaZ0LOFv1xRe7vqn6RR7pV69AQNQ-2BuWKwtPMQNX3V9YdaKvFHesNrOOcLsQCpMrWQaNmTebphuXjudCmxLS4D9Do-3D) [*CNN*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKy3TtZJUNBApOSK1-2FQMe4EAO1Aq4oEV67uuxJLedMZyhE4RqmCZ8pq0q7-2B0DkLUzF-2BAWy2Vo2GWb7Y7Bll3xG0-3DRo64_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiKq-2F1pTjhJnjN7zB-2BEvAhyVKDfcm4uSXRjNrTU4c6CPLFK0zrm7Q7LQELH4IsNUK1C-2BOXy5v4X8f2igzYthawELE9d-2B9nJ6xovxEsoRAnlF77hZjrHclUkzbvXjAljqJoNIsyeLzDya-2FyEu50h8-2FFudaCsZPLLEHkkALByM1Q-2Fm51V8mAU39g62mVmNkdDgxDHFOR3gZ5TkXBttfMH2zGQY-3D) **Applying the News Story** Should politicians allow comedians to be comedians? Should church members offer preachers complete freedom in the pulpit? Should employees be given free speech in the workplace? Use this story as an opportunity to discuss the power of speech and the danger of censorship, in both church and state. **The Big Questions** 1. When, if ever, should the government regulate speech that might offend or mislead the American public? What type of censorship should be done by the government, if any? 2. What type of speech should be allowed in the workplace? How should standards for speech be articulated and enforced? Mark Rouleau, a TWW Team Member and attorney, reminds us that "private parties such as employers have the right to fire people for most kinds of speech." 3. Republican Ted Cruz said that the government should not get into the business of policing speech, claiming that it could come back to hurt conservatives when Democrats retake power. Respond. 4. *The Late Show* host Stephen Colbert said Kimmel's suspension was the "latest and boldest action in a long campaign against media critics." What is the value of free speech and freedom of the press, even when offensive statements are made? Where do you see danger in suppression of the media? 5. Many church members give their preachers freedom in the pulpit, but do not want to hear political sermons. What limitations do you put on your pastors, if any? What boundaries, if any, should be placed on sermon topics? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **Genesis 1:3***Then God said, "Let there be light," and there was light* (For context, read [Genesis 1:1-8](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxdxvwvUIbrGNsYJ-2B9LkHJNe4cEiN68XZRDShZtMPI4RJ2PWOTD4lcuHdOjIlKPskw1HIR_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiJ11mXXKPGuLB9tpjDEuEPScXRDQWNL6ODkPfRDsWe3XmPjPwnDuEvZU-2BOAd1i3vC-2BJI-2BjV2kBIkrpKr0WdljtaTx5OxLzRuToK2a8F7aWTbkIDhFweV2iTyYW-2BQ3qYx0XV9Tzy6Mv-2FpgbRaF5sJ-2Fa0oqACYDdo4Ub30s2khWVPNjJ8deBY6iD2rrpmBPQXFMin3FVVTct-2FcnQXqQVhw6DI-3D).) Speech is central to the creative work of God. On the first day, God created the powerful light that is absolutely essential for life, using only the words, "Let there be light." God saw that the light was good, and then God separated the light from the darkness. God used a set of words to bring order out of chaos -- creative speech that God has continued to offer through all of history. God has continued to speak through the words of the prophets, through the preaching of apostles, and most powerfully through the teachings of Jesus, the Word of God in human form (John 1:14). In the chaos of 21st-century political posturing and cultural conflict, we need these divine words more than ever. In the novel [*City of Peace*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGRAfabCXRFNA5kzk67Eh1oj67qF5-2B9x69bzWEczpREHO1Wyfrkjkg1sOAuhUDoOS0VBOMI7vqWV1xHtSQx9TNg-3DtDq1_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiO5R3unCzncMuTleqY781DEYEpxi5SU7nmC9XW3wK7UAg4bQmJZWHhATk6DXs6ifg8DgxcyVyaRudDdimZxmOgvZWsWBNq11HYG4J-2F-2FtKVMeM642ygCyJ-2Ff-2FvH5rObr32ygkb2ggqnF0iT6X4tvWj9QHkzDK6Mh4CsK7fk0pqLcDjKCv6-2FfV-2FxOsvTSKfjRtujJpvokL8G3dAKTguHf-2BM2U-3D)*,* a Methodist pastor named Harley Camden speaks about the power of words. "I'm convinced that words create reality," Harley explains. "It's a very biblical idea. Think of God creating the world in Genesis, saying 'Let there be light,' and there is light. Jesus is described in the New Testament as 'the Word.' When Martin Luther King Jr., said, 'I have a dream,' people began to see a vision of a new world of equality. Words create reality. Whether we say 'I love you' or 'I hate you' makes a huge difference." > **Questions:** How do you understand speech to be central to the work of God? What types of words are creative and life-giving? When have you encountered speech that is destructive? How or when, if at all, do "words create reality"? As Christians, how should we use our speech to advance God's will? **2 Samuel 12:7-8***Nathan said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: I anointed you king over Israel, and I rescued you from the hand of Saul; I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your bosom and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah, and if that had been too little, I would have added as much more. ..."* (For context, read [2 Samuel 12:1-10](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxlvjJW5fipliacJeM-2BZO3Iups4DrYN-2BqrCOM1B4Mpo9Yq6ZLaJYwIe1e8Df-2B2TX92p3cR_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiA-2BPI3zHyzx-2F530cZ9P8HNWdLTMNxIa-2FcNZ3qwmmsYBnReHhedNFQy-2FKrl4TonzTTvjJYMusD4GgtXjrafDgPtHQ6KYQQo5XRct11u3Muv455s5KnywQlBjYYtQ2asbeNDJzb0q6crk1j0YIA5v7icPxKTJL0UjAKRKPiPNMXXvuan4DNU698g-2Fj55w4KCesfFcwL-2B-2B0KcTGOfpbg7UVUck-3D).) After King David committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged for her husband to be killed, God sent the prophet Nathan to David. He said to the king: "There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had very many flocks and herds; but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb that he had bought. ... Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was loath to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the wayfarer who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb, and prepared that for the guest who had come to him" (vv. 1-4). Then David, feeling tremendous anger toward the man, said to Nathan, "As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die" (v. 5). Nathan said to David, "You are the man!" The prophet did not condemn David with a quotation from the Ten Commandments, accusing him of breaking the rules against murder and adultery. Instead, he told him a story which acted as a mirror, helping David to see himself clearly. > **Questions:** What was the value of the speech that the prophet Nathan gave to King David? How would God's will have been thwarted if David censored Nathan? How have comedians and other performers acted as prophets in American society, and when have they strayed from this calling? **John 18:37***Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."* (For context, read [John 18:28-39](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxIZQdl9o19AaGMoRwm2CB4kQxOs8LydP0tb7laJ4gUKbNnpdLHhXJZQZ9ePRM2zf-2FA3fH_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiFJVA6nxhcQtMp0WQMwMKLeXYdHAtq6uEUTZWsvLA1jAynFYYs00AtNJYEjj4eSE0PzVq1v3Rbq51zixD37Jfvup4yMNajbyMnogWPU1qHcyZT9I7BhEeKyslO5DCPT-2BMeU9u-2BCJ90Idgqt8JBFl3JYoMxJuGUj-2B3l31PBGS-2BCJ5ym3-2BuIjX05-2BesezT4k82yvjXOOPTfgu-2Fh8oRLWzsVI4-3D).) The dialogue between Jesus and Pilate is a riveting example of a political leader literally killing the messenger of truth. TWW Team Member Joanna-Loucky Ramsey says, "Pilate acknowledged three times that he had not found evidence that Jesus was guilty of anything that warranted a death sentence, yet he still had him flogged (for what?) and condemned him to death. Jesus said he came to testify to the truth, and Pilate didn't want to hear it. And shortly before that exchange, the Jewish leader Annas also tried to shut Jesus up, to which he replied, 'If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?'" (18:23). Neither Pilate nor Annas could hear the truth that Jesus proclaimed, nor did they see that Jesus himself was "the way and the truth and the life" (14:6). Rather than hearing what he had to say and seeing him for what he was, they had Jesus struck on the face, flogged and finally put to death. > **Questions:** When have you seen a messenger of truth subjected to ridicule or abuse? What truthful messages are especially hard to hear? What does your church do to encourage attentive listening to the Word of God, to fellow Christians, and to the people of the world around us? Be specific. **1 Corinthians 4:4***I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.* (For context, read [1 Corinthians 4:1-5](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxOdlwvpIcp6dpBWksJaxTxNmCjoTyoNAiBuFp6LqY5aNe5KnBDVFn5zrLdnTDN48557XI_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiM-2BEmI2eI-2FIrFRIZNdw9vuU4bD-2B4MZ-2Fo6DwwbR8j9F2eCToqzR23-2FTqtcmPxAWrCvMIwEtNBnkh1y9eXRHRHlBuCVZL3odZ6-2BNhga2Fin5RR-2FWb28-2BRfZjsll-2F9EcsbJ2xA2C2359a-2BQolUgNlk6-2BJdM00BKzcBEBX4rYRKYGM9EFJVDMzD9CB27Lu8BUhLttJZ18MmIT6PSjQXeqpMGRb0-3D).) Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians was written to followers of Jesus in the Greek city of Corinth, in response to a report that there were divisions in the church. "For it has been made clear to me," writes Paul, "that there are quarrels among you" (1:11). As the fourth chapter begins, it is clear that the quarrels have not been resolved, since Paul makes a point of insisting that he does not care if he is judged by the Corinthians. Instead, he insists, "It is the Lord who judges me." Paul goes on to recommend that no one "pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God" (v. 5). Paul is content to allow God to bring the truth to light and disclose the hidden purposes of the heart.. > **Questions:** Why are people so quick to judge, in the church and in the wider world? How would our lives be changed by allowing the Lord to judge us and the people around us? What could we learn if we withheld judgment and allowed God to bring the truth to light? **For Further Discussion** 1. [Attorney and podcaster Eric Matheny wrote,](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUF-2BGkEm6kdLyGrp1SlwUOSgY-2BqmQuWplVeVFWhJWjKcNxpV8oZlmDgEeM-2BB7ofWEq2kJupR7K-2Bt-2Bpxmv6NVrNGI99okqFnY05Vso48BX7thDxmIjQoLk1bsNFp8fNHD7eA-3DnGs3_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiNCF6UFZKP2o05dkYrP4XHVP7y-2F2YVMJBA3lWL5QNq1c5VsJ8oKTu1XOrnjFInoYc8H9N4QH4PLjBh9tfG4vXA-2FZI93qqECaZZJAdEd6JhzkOCj0vRkpWq0oY2Z5h6ub0aUDdQCPrW7NL5FkSCkgl9MKbuZFnMpFiRP5AV-2Fdod-2Fazvk-2FLKWFCMaJfyoRInAUf3FjhSKgAU-2B3Kq5y-2FntFoGs-3D) "If Jimmy Kimmel got arrested and prosecuted for what he said on his show, that's a free speech violation. If his employer decides to take him off the air? That's not." [Kimmel’s 2025 average viewership](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUHg89Cl2WeU49PWpsomeDUJubfh-2F9muRV75hD2SYQg22Gd4rbOSl0trlwHA3KNGTdwMOX6I2VD-2BOWXewqT5wQOEyIFs3CUdaul34ZW3Cm35fA3CtsQSbfhCxLZIKTwrPjk-3DiXJw_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiJY1OdI5-2BVwlfCrbkARpRHC-2Bylur77q-2BAmgsI9ugHzzeThFqiyBMKFe-2FE1EajicMgkJ1PfozpASNUEZX9jveTC-2Fd74y-2BA6Qzi6xB0pbfrWWU3wgAc-2FPzkGCwICJcFZyQZ5ShitvCvxEvYznkJlTDAPwJXfC-2Ft886xzOXFvvebRiWVbV7NS8s-2B9I-2BxjKTuwT37SrK5ZeIFUo2iLzA-2FZhYazo-3D) of 1.6 million is down 37% compared to 2015 totals. Clearly, the government did not arrest and prosecute Kimmel for his comments, but critics such as Sen. Cruz are concerned about government overreach. Why do you think Kimmel was removed from the air and then restored? What could ABC-Disney have done differently? How should comedians and television hosts respond to this incident? 2. TWW Team Member Bill Tammeus asks, "What did Jesus say that might have got him booted off the air? What respect are we to give to people with whom we disagree -- including the people who preach from our pulpits? Do we learn anything from people who simply agree with our own thinking rather than doing what opinion journalists are supposed to do, which is to complicate the thinking of readers, listeners, watchers?" Respond. 3. "It has been said there are three sides to every story: yours, mine, and the truth is somewhere in between," says TWW Team Member Mary Sells. "St. Ignatius might admonish us to leave room for God before we choose to think or do anything, for God's wisdom to manifest so we can align with his ways and dreams for us." Where do you see value in being a holy listener, to receive words without judgment or bias? What are the challenges of listening in such a way in our political environment today? 4. "God can take criticism," says TWW Member Frank Ramirez. "Job says he can't get a fair hearing in the heavenly court. Martha chews Jesus out -- twice." What is the spiritual value of political leaders learning how to take a joke? Or receive criticism? What can we learn from our critics, even when they make fun of us? **Responding to the News** Listen to the words of people around you with an open heart and mind. Resist the temptation to rush to judgment, or to censor people with different opinions. Like David, be receptive to a painful prophetic word. Be open to the truth of God appearing before you in an unexpected form, as it did to Pilate. Give thanks for the right to speak freely without fear of arrest, and be vigilant about preserving freedom of expression in your church and community. **Prayer** Almighty God, we thank you for your powerful Word, which created the world and all that is in it. Help us to speak your truth, to hear the words of truth-tellers around us, and to follow the one who is the way and the truth and the life. In Jesus' name. Amen. ****Copyright 2025 Communication Resources**** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=9fXIJGoB_jbrYzZ4vyd_VaD2ElJmWy7nWnbMwYWZ19hoMDAwdTAwMP37vo4gyk7WX5q6dJ2pVbjA065X-GMUm2GXfOQnxBognrljRmEzy8xrefoYfaNQEhygfuhyYN8N-F1rJOtFqnN5OMbz-6cnC4ZJFj_00Wk0UsQ0h8PLeSihLnCiyukLtX_4cYaTVmkel0VrMZRYDD--Mh5RKBk1OubEO5DJWkcIzoGKHHZLVoHUsG0q6yk8QT9AYKkLKaVMNy57Y3AyefzNDpzB_Ad6AqOFbXnkbUijgDytPNvoN_6yVtb4XT9SmI2_xhRZsgveCTu5_z-LRml3qSRBqPXlEe40YzKZZyrS0548_Mcq9TN_gXTJzHP_TKQP74dLvS9tD1lQuWR_jlDT3WJxuCNAjZaU-uFzZKI45Aln1-sdlpDQ4AL16zYi966ijvNK83I-HcqZw31ZdINuD-1wcDv7Kec5GueXSCMgBFVzQeG3lLGdaFOajBeaE0Wk0T0_UuFX7D2L6reaDNviJYOqDilCmv3LKsF_XVXH0lAkD3OWxQi4S9atpLXij_6TeUhaq1qTEGsMDmSXf5wowlPSDz2EuxKJKf3Ig-LXGsUcdBbBEA1Dls5dbxPJcf83-EXdyjAF06p2RdkorMEIX7ppOlveJv-fw7IWKjen) <div>Dear Class Members, Comedian and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel was recently removed from the air after making comments about the man accused of murdering Charlie Kirk. The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission called Kimmel's comments "sick" and ABC-Disney pulled him, leading many to question the government's role in regulating speech. Then Kimmel's show was restored. This installment of The Wired Word will focus on the power of speech and the danger of censorship, in both church and state. <center><img src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/></center> Fear of Censorship Arises After Jimmy Kimmel Removal The Wired Word for the Week of September 28, 2025 In the News Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) said on Friday, September 19, that he was "thrilled" that comedian and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel had been taken off the air. ABC-Disney pulled Kimmel after he made comments about the man accused of murdering conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. The BBC reports that the controversy flared up after Kimmel said in his monologue that the "MAGA gang" were "desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them" and were trying to "score political points from it." Brendan Carr, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which regulates broadcast airwaves in the public interest, called Kimmel's comments "sick" and threatened to take action because Kimmel had appeared to "directly mislead the American public." Carr was appointed by President Trump before his first term, again by President Biden and once more by Trump upon his reelection. Conservatives noted that Kimmel was pushing a false narrative by suggesting Kirk's suspected killer was a MAGA (Make America Great Again) Republican. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, is registered as an unaffiliated voter, while his parents are registered Republicans. Robinson had "very different" political views from those of his conservative family, according to relatives. "There clearly was a leftist ideology," Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said (see The Wired Word for September 21, 2025, "Kirk Murder Raises Concerns About Political Violence"). According to Fox News, podcaster Stephen L. Miller says that Kimmel "spread a false and verifiable lie and the network and Disney rightfully freaked out about it," while The Free Press's Eli Lake wrote, "Let’s separate two things. Jimmy Kimmel is an unfunny mediocrity and his take on Charlie Kirk was tasteless, stupid and factually vacant. At the same time the chairman of the FCC should not be programming late night television. That's a violation of the First Amendment." Lake believes that the government should stay away from such matters. Ted Cruz would agree. "I hate what Jimmy Kimmel said," Cruz declared on his podcast. "But let me tell you: If the government gets in the business of saying, 'We don't like what you, the media, have said. We're going to ban you from the airwaves if you don't say what we like,' that will end up bad for conservatives." According to CNN, Cruz denounced FCC Chairman Carr's threats to pull ABC's broadcast license as "unbelievably dangerous." Cruz said that the government should not get into the business of policing speech, claiming that it could come back to hurt conservatives when Democrats retake power. With his words, conservative Cruz joined a number of progressives who had condemned the comments of the FCC chairman. Cruz chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which has authority over the FCC. "Going down this road, there will come a time when a Democrat wins [the White House] again," said Cruz. At that time, he predicted, "they will silence us. They will use this power, and they will use it ruthlessly. And that is dangerous." Appearing on Benny Johnson's podcast, Carr had threatened to take action against broadcasters. "I mean, look, we can do this the easy way or the hard way," Carr said. "These companies can find ways to change conduct, to take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or you know, there's going to be additional work for the FCC ahead." ABC-Disney pulled Kimmel's show off the air indefinitely the day after Carr made those comments. On CBS, The Late Show host Stephen Colbert said: "To Jimmy, I say I stand with you and your staff 100%." He said Kimmel's suspension was "blatant censorship" and the "latest and boldest action in a long campaign against media critics." Colbert's show has also been cancelled, and will end in May 2026. According to the BBC, CBS said in July that cancelling The Late Show was "purely a financial decision," but some observers have linked the cancellation to a federal decision on a merger involving CBS' parent company, Paramount. Former late-night host David Letterman said, "I feel bad about this, because we all see where this is going, correct? It's managed media. It's no good. It's silly. It's ridiculous." Conan O'Brien, who hosted late-night talk shows on NBC and TBS, wrote on X that the "promise to silence other Late Night hosts for criticising the administration should disturb everyone on the Right, Left, and Center. It's wrong and anyone with a conscience knows it's wrong." Seth Meyers, the host of NBC's Late Night, said at the beginning of his program, "this is a big moment in our democracy and we must all stand up for freedom of expression." On Monday, September 22, ABC-Disney decided to restore Kimmel's show. In a statement, the company said, "Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country." The decision was made "because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday." More on this story can be found at these links: <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPN6H9bXG5FD2vf7eZP7qLxI0phc0BeAxzBcT1VM16eek1LukXtlkQW6OzCfmsLoyVQ-3D-3D1pRH\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiLcwqEQC30dpFtIgS18bMDzfbsZTz7ssDWht4mwbDCVZPJ3d1QhmFuGTcIDzgZlfP9uugXOTiGWLb4EHdqFvAGLxGWBv-2FwZomHwHgZOIFu5jdKygU0U7qP3F08uddysx9-2B8AfPAK9319MpVP2wkgXPDGWXf4qFU-2FU7TJBbzYQ6eiK1FqbGSG1-2FP3-2F2bf2rj3QBru5pNHsgLiKKnWnc8VFVM-3D">U.S. TV Hosts Back Jimmy Kimmel and Lampoon Donald Trump in Free Speech Row. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPN6H9bXG5FD2vf7eZP7qLxI0phc0BeAxzBcT1VM16eek1LukXtlkQW6OzCfmsLoyVQ-3D-3Dhhf9\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiOZALSaaGeEg8vUlA58FQJdtPLeojS1nbEMOSOsJohARxzzHkb5Ow-2BzbNmO2RDCixyqAkTpn-2BiDeI5Uw6-2B7vJubCjH9GyFP7ty-2FHsk-2Fs-2Bvely1NhFrtFMqlITlm9pxTd-2FQs9jr1F0ponPKIrNt6p9kRhmA8dLTbcD5WQufNyIUNLOxDgq6CyFkrGQnoyZgf2onPi-2FhDK81JzCa5JR-2BfmnPk-3D">BBC</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUF-2BGkEm6kdLyGrp1SlwUOSgY-2BqmQuWplVeVFWhJWjKcNxpV8oZlmDgEeM-2BB7ofWEq2kJupR7K-2Bt-2Bpxmv6NVrNGI99okqFnY05Vso48BX7thDxmIjQoLk1bsNFp8fNHD7eA-3DaIi6\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiLAxCwRgm3tcGDEDBQPZFRaBWHUe8jM6klI1zzJqrI-2Fw1CJ6p0C-2F-2FlGst-2FWGMXYXAbKwedGOuY3eeunwelO-2BOBMx4-2B62SmD92p2VdsG684LQ-2BGcpPocXY9LedzznKLgBPfXyRBeLptxnBCB3YhVh78fxOgfLbSARGjpVbLduOpdh-2BzxOp99maFSaUzXt6-2F0zK1w59D7IGse3PokfZb57BLY-3D">Disney's Jimmy Kimmel Benching Prompts Celebration, but Also Caution, From Conservatives. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUF-2BGkEm6kdLyGrp1SlwUOSgY-2BqmQuWplVeVFWhJWjKcNxpV8oZlmDgEeM-2BB7ofWEq2kJupR7K-2Bt-2Bpxmv6NVrNGI99okqFnY05Vso48BX7thDxmIjQoLk1bsNFp8fNHD7eA-3D0Cz1\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiB9WQH9vACmP78Vo8BHYs8dZvYvSRKlm3Ae7UjF6lUbdr0uoVb7NnTsHEXEt6TGM6Dp9nfWdsb42CmWB7LlPkyudEQlFkl7FGOsJFuhy4LbUcehGmM8aiNkYy0qAO2ECA9X4Jvs1EChG9nv0cTUb21ytiphNs45uup8Iq8a8dRK1VCiKXiR14MWMqSbS0lWGM65AC9siPMfWRV8s3QxZUSA-3D">Fox News</a> '<a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKy3TtZJUNBApOSK1-2FQMe4EAO1Aq4oEV67uuxJLedMZyhE4RqmCZ8pq0q7-2B0DkLUzF-2BAWy2Vo2GWb7Y7Bll3xG0-3D1Lza\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiGESaIywcWd16DDnpRokX2b-2B2UxJp-2FCr1Bqo24iPl24lU8Vgbni7WLaKw2up4beMew-2BCqrs2J8uCnAxSMWVTEnm3vUon-2FGtpu1RyoXf8SjnNx-2FjZeN1qw-2FKoz1lAGBQUaZ0LOFv1xRe7vqn6RR7pV69AQNQ-2BuWKwtPMQNX3V9YdaKvFHesNrOOcLsQCpMrWQaNmTebphuXjudCmxLS4D9Do-3D">Dangerous as Hell': Ted Cruz Compares FCC Chair's Threats Against ABC to Mob Tactics. </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKy3TtZJUNBApOSK1-2FQMe4EAO1Aq4oEV67uuxJLedMZyhE4RqmCZ8pq0q7-2B0DkLUzF-2BAWy2Vo2GWb7Y7Bll3xG0-3DRo64\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiKq-2F1pTjhJnjN7zB-2BEvAhyVKDfcm4uSXRjNrTU4c6CPLFK0zrm7Q7LQELH4IsNUK1C-2BOXy5v4X8f2igzYthawELE9d-2B9nJ6xovxEsoRAnlF77hZjrHclUkzbvXjAljqJoNIsyeLzDya-2FyEu50h8-2FFudaCsZPLLEHkkALByM1Q-2Fm51V8mAU39g62mVmNkdDgxDHFOR3gZ5TkXBttfMH2zGQY-3D">CNN</a> Applying the News Story Should politicians allow comedians to be comedians? Should church members offer preachers complete freedom in the pulpit? Should employees be given free speech in the workplace? Use this story as an opportunity to discuss the power of speech and the danger of censorship, in both church and state. The Big Questions 1. When, if ever, should the government regulate speech that might offend or mislead the American public? What type of censorship should be done by the government, if any? 2. What type of speech should be allowed in the workplace? How should standards for speech be articulated and enforced? Mark Rouleau, a TWW Team Member and attorney, reminds us that "private parties such as employers have the right to fire people for most kinds of speech." 3. Republican Ted Cruz said that the government should not get into the business of policing speech, claiming that it could come back to hurt conservatives when Democrats retake power. Respond. 4. The Late Show host Stephen Colbert said Kimmel's suspension was the "latest and boldest action in a long campaign against media critics." What is the value of free speech and freedom of the press, even when offensive statements are made? Where do you see danger in suppression of the media? 5. Many church members give their preachers freedom in the pulpit, but do not want to hear political sermons. What limitations do you put on your pastors, if any? What boundaries, if any, should be placed on sermon topics? Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: Genesis 1:3 Then God said, "Let there be light," and there was light (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxdxvwvUIbrGNsYJ-2B9LkHJNe4cEiN68XZRDShZtMPI4RJ2PWOTD4lcuHdOjIlKPskw1HIR\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiJ11mXXKPGuLB9tpjDEuEPScXRDQWNL6ODkPfRDsWe3XmPjPwnDuEvZU-2BOAd1i3vC-2BJI-2BjV2kBIkrpKr0WdljtaTx5OxLzRuToK2a8F7aWTbkIDhFweV2iTyYW-2BQ3qYx0XV9Tzy6Mv-2FpgbRaF5sJ-2Fa0oqACYDdo4Ub30s2khWVPNjJ8deBY6iD2rrpmBPQXFMin3FVVTct-2FcnQXqQVhw6DI-3D">Genesis 1:1-8</a>.) Speech is central to the creative work of God. On the first day, God created the powerful light that is absolutely essential for life, using only the words, "Let there be light." God saw that the light was good, and then God separated the light from the darkness. God used a set of words to bring order out of chaos -- creative speech that God has continued to offer through all of history. God has continued to speak through the words of the prophets, through the preaching of apostles, and most powerfully through the teachings of Jesus, the Word of God in human form (John 1:14). In the chaos of 21st-century political posturing and cultural conflict, we need these divine words more than ever. In the novel <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGRAfabCXRFNA5kzk67Eh1oj67qF5-2B9x69bzWEczpREHO1Wyfrkjkg1sOAuhUDoOS0VBOMI7vqWV1xHtSQx9TNg-3DtDq1\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiO5R3unCzncMuTleqY781DEYEpxi5SU7nmC9XW3wK7UAg4bQmJZWHhATk6DXs6ifg8DgxcyVyaRudDdimZxmOgvZWsWBNq11HYG4J-2F-2FtKVMeM642ygCyJ-2Ff-2FvH5rObr32ygkb2ggqnF0iT6X4tvWj9QHkzDK6Mh4CsK7fk0pqLcDjKCv6-2FfV-2FxOsvTSKfjRtujJpvokL8G3dAKTguHf-2BM2U-3D">City of Peace</a>, a Methodist pastor named Harley Camden speaks about the power of words. "I'm convinced that words create reality," Harley explains. "It's a very biblical idea. Think of God creating the world in Genesis, saying 'Let there be light,' and there is light. Jesus is described in the New Testament as 'the Word.' When Martin Luther King Jr., said, 'I have a dream,' people began to see a vision of a new world of equality. Words create reality. Whether we say 'I love you' or 'I hate you' makes a huge difference." <blockquote> Questions: How do you understand speech to be central to the work of God? What types of words are creative and life-giving? When have you encountered speech that is destructive? How or when, if at all, do "words create reality"? As Christians, how should we use our speech to advance God's will? </blockquote> 2 Samuel 12:7-8 Nathan said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: I anointed you king over Israel, and I rescued you from the hand of Saul; I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your bosom and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah, and if that had been too little, I would have added as much more. ..." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxlvjJW5fipliacJeM-2BZO3Iups4DrYN-2BqrCOM1B4Mpo9Yq6ZLaJYwIe1e8Df-2B2TX92p3cR\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiA-2BPI3zHyzx-2F530cZ9P8HNWdLTMNxIa-2FcNZ3qwmmsYBnReHhedNFQy-2FKrl4TonzTTvjJYMusD4GgtXjrafDgPtHQ6KYQQo5XRct11u3Muv455s5KnywQlBjYYtQ2asbeNDJzb0q6crk1j0YIA5v7icPxKTJL0UjAKRKPiPNMXXvuan4DNU698g-2Fj55w4KCesfFcwL-2B-2B0KcTGOfpbg7UVUck-3D">2 Samuel 12:1-10</a>.) After King David committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged for her husband to be killed, God sent the prophet Nathan to David. He said to the king: "There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had very many flocks and herds; but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb that he had bought. ... Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was loath to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the wayfarer who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb, and prepared that for the guest who had come to him" (vv. 1-4). Then David, feeling tremendous anger toward the man, said to Nathan, "As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die" (v. 5). Nathan said to David, "You are the man!" The prophet did not condemn David with a quotation from the Ten Commandments, accusing him of breaking the rules against murder and adultery. Instead, he told him a story which acted as a mirror, helping David to see himself clearly. <blockquote> Questions: What was the value of the speech that the prophet Nathan gave to King David? How would God's will have been thwarted if David censored Nathan? How have comedians and other performers acted as prophets in American society, and when have they strayed from this calling? </blockquote> John 18:37 Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxIZQdl9o19AaGMoRwm2CB4kQxOs8LydP0tb7laJ4gUKbNnpdLHhXJZQZ9ePRM2zf-2FA3fH\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiFJVA6nxhcQtMp0WQMwMKLeXYdHAtq6uEUTZWsvLA1jAynFYYs00AtNJYEjj4eSE0PzVq1v3Rbq51zixD37Jfvup4yMNajbyMnogWPU1qHcyZT9I7BhEeKyslO5DCPT-2BMeU9u-2BCJ90Idgqt8JBFl3JYoMxJuGUj-2B3l31PBGS-2BCJ5ym3-2BuIjX05-2BesezT4k82yvjXOOPTfgu-2Fh8oRLWzsVI4-3D">John 18:28-39</a>.) The dialogue between Jesus and Pilate is a riveting example of a political leader literally killing the messenger of truth. TWW Team Member Joanna-Loucky Ramsey says, "Pilate acknowledged three times that he had not found evidence that Jesus was guilty of anything that warranted a death sentence, yet he still had him flogged (for what?) and condemned him to death. Jesus said he came to testify to the truth, and Pilate didn't want to hear it. And shortly before that exchange, the Jewish leader Annas also tried to shut Jesus up, to which he replied, 'If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?'" (18:23). Neither Pilate nor Annas could hear the truth that Jesus proclaimed, nor did they see that Jesus himself was "the way and the truth and the life" (14:6). Rather than hearing what he had to say and seeing him for what he was, they had Jesus struck on the face, flogged and finally put to death. <blockquote> Questions: When have you seen a messenger of truth subjected to ridicule or abuse? What truthful messages are especially hard to hear? What does your church do to encourage attentive listening to the Word of God, to fellow Christians, and to the people of the world around us? Be specific. </blockquote> 1 Corinthians 4:4 I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxOdlwvpIcp6dpBWksJaxTxNmCjoTyoNAiBuFp6LqY5aNe5KnBDVFn5zrLdnTDN48557XI\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiM-2BEmI2eI-2FIrFRIZNdw9vuU4bD-2B4MZ-2Fo6DwwbR8j9F2eCToqzR23-2FTqtcmPxAWrCvMIwEtNBnkh1y9eXRHRHlBuCVZL3odZ6-2BNhga2Fin5RR-2FWb28-2BRfZjsll-2F9EcsbJ2xA2C2359a-2BQolUgNlk6-2BJdM00BKzcBEBX4rYRKYGM9EFJVDMzD9CB27Lu8BUhLttJZ18MmIT6PSjQXeqpMGRb0-3D">1 Corinthians 4:1-5</a>.) Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians was written to followers of Jesus in the Greek city of Corinth, in response to a report that there were divisions in the church. "For it has been made clear to me," writes Paul, "that there are quarrels among you" (1:11). As the fourth chapter begins, it is clear that the quarrels have not been resolved, since Paul makes a point of insisting that he does not care if he is judged by the Corinthians. Instead, he insists, "It is the Lord who judges me." Paul goes on to recommend that no one "pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God" (v. 5). Paul is content to allow God to bring the truth to light and disclose the hidden purposes of the heart.. <blockquote> Questions: Why are people so quick to judge, in the church and in the wider world? How would our lives be changed by allowing the Lord to judge us and the people around us? What could we learn if we withheld judgment and allowed God to bring the truth to light? </blockquote> For Further Discussion 1. <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUF-2BGkEm6kdLyGrp1SlwUOSgY-2BqmQuWplVeVFWhJWjKcNxpV8oZlmDgEeM-2BB7ofWEq2kJupR7K-2Bt-2Bpxmv6NVrNGI99okqFnY05Vso48BX7thDxmIjQoLk1bsNFp8fNHD7eA-3DnGs3\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiNCF6UFZKP2o05dkYrP4XHVP7y-2F2YVMJBA3lWL5QNq1c5VsJ8oKTu1XOrnjFInoYc8H9N4QH4PLjBh9tfG4vXA-2FZI93qqECaZZJAdEd6JhzkOCj0vRkpWq0oY2Z5h6ub0aUDdQCPrW7NL5FkSCkgl9MKbuZFnMpFiRP5AV-2Fdod-2Fazvk-2FLKWFCMaJfyoRInAUf3FjhSKgAU-2B3Kq5y-2FntFoGs-3D">Attorney and podcaster Eric Matheny wrote,</a> "If Jimmy Kimmel got arrested and prosecuted for what he said on his show, that's a free speech violation. If his employer decides to take him off the air? That's not." <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNnRLkPfLAMpP6p3RttiMUHg89Cl2WeU49PWpsomeDUJubfh-2F9muRV75hD2SYQg22Gd4rbOSl0trlwHA3KNGTdwMOX6I2VD-2BOWXewqT5wQOEyIFs3CUdaul34ZW3Cm35fA3CtsQSbfhCxLZIKTwrPjk-3DiXJw\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmfcMjyFDzy8OmsUWG5a6-2FoIBMqCWxmbTRilewfilEAZufzdByFhnU01DDAOajySoiJY1OdI5-2BVwlfCrbkARpRHC-2Bylur77q-2BAmgsI9ugHzzeThFqiyBMKFe-2FE1EajicMgkJ1PfozpASNUEZX9jveTC-2Fd74y-2BA6Qzi6xB0pbfrWWU3wgAc-2FPzkGCwICJcFZyQZ5ShitvCvxEvYznkJlTDAPwJXfC-2Ft886xzOXFvvebRiWVbV7NS8s-2B9I-2BxjKTuwT37SrK5ZeIFUo2iLzA-2FZhYazo-3D">Kimmel’s 2025 average viewership </a>of 1.6 million is down 37% compared to 2015 totals. Clearly, the government did not arrest and prosecute Kimmel for his comments, but critics such as Sen. Cruz are concerned about government overreach. Why do you think Kimmel was removed from the air and then restored? What could ABC-Disney have done differently? How should comedians and television hosts respond to this incident? 2. TWW Team Member Bill Tammeus asks, "What did Jesus say that might have got him booted off the air? What respect are we to give to people with whom we disagree -- including the people who preach from our pulpits? Do we learn anything from people who simply agree with our own thinking rather than doing what opinion journalists are supposed to do, which is to complicate the thinking of readers, listeners, watchers?" Respond. 3. "It has been said there are three sides to every story: yours, mine, and the truth is somewhere in between," says TWW Team Member Mary Sells. "St. Ignatius might admonish us to leave room for God before we choose to think or do anything, for God's wisdom to manifest so we can align with his ways and dreams for us." Where do you see value in being a holy listener, to receive words without judgment or bias? What are the challenges of listening in such a way in our political environment today? 4. "God can take criticism," says TWW Member Frank Ramirez. "Job says he can't get a fair hearing in the heavenly court. Martha chews Jesus out -- twice." What is the spiritual value of political leaders learning how to take a joke? Or receive criticism? What can we learn from our critics, even when they make fun of us? Responding to the News Listen to the words of people around you with an open heart and mind. Resist the temptation to rush to judgment, or to censor people with different opinions. Like David, be receptive to a painful prophetic word. Be open to the truth of God appearing before you in an unexpected form, as it did to Pilate. Give thanks for the right to speak freely without fear of arrest, and be vigilant about preserving freedom of expression in your church and community. Prayer Almighty God, we thank you for your powerful Word, which created the world and all that is in it. Help us to speak your truth, to hear the words of truth-tellers around us, and to follow the one who is the way and the truth and the life. In Jesus' name. Amen. 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