![Facebook censors and removes a post stating "Jesus died so you could live" as hate speech, sparking controversy and raising concerns about freedom of speech and religious freedom. 'The entire ordeal was surreal and, frankly, disturbing.'](https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Large_Clark-County-Today-Facebook-claims-Jesus-is-hate-speech_1.jpg)
‘The entire ordeal was surreal and, frankly, disturbing’
Bob Unruh
WND News Center
A columnist has reported at the Washington Times that Facebook called “Jesus” hate speech and said it was censoring the reference.
The stunning report comes from Billy Hallowell, an interviewer for Faithwire and CBN News and a co-host of “Quick Start Podcast.”
He writes at the Times that he was taken aback recently when Facebook sent him a notice that, “Your post goes against our Community Standards on hate speech.”
He doubled-checked the social media giant’s wild claim and found it was referring to his explanation of the Christian message of salvation documented by the story of the Resurrection.
What he said his offending post was, “Jesus died so you could live.”
“It was a message I recalled posting early last month in an effort to summarize the central message of the Gospel: Jesus’ sacrificial death for mankind and his ushering in of hope and salvation. The message is essentially New Testament 101,” he wrote.
“Though some might disagree with the proclamation, there’s certainly nothing about the wording that any rational person would call ‘hate speech,'” he said.
Then, he said, Facebook doubled down.
“Facebook proceeded to declare that its ‘community standards’ are meant to ensure everyone feels ‘safe, respected and welcome,’ though, in those moments of confusion over the hate speech flag, I didn’t feel any of those sentiments,” he wrote. “An ominous line about future infractions was included in the warning. It read, ‘If your content goes against our Community Standards again, your account may be restricted or disabled.'”
Ultimately, Facebook sent a follow-up that confirmed, “We have removed your post from Facebook” because the post was in violation.
Hallowell wrote, “The entire ordeal was surreal and, frankly, disturbing. I’m not at all interested in purporting to be a victim, but as an advocate of free speech and religious freedom, the idea that a message as innocuous as ‘Jesus died so you could live’ would be censored or banned is patently bizarre.”
And he noted Facebook has refused to respond to further inquiries.
It might have been an error, he confirmed.
“Of course, if this wasn’t an error, there’s a much bigger problem brewing at Facebook. It’s worth noting that the original post from April 2 was still up and active even after the warning and claim of removal, adding even more questions into the mix.”
Also read:
- Harvest Days in Battle Ground coming up July 19-21The Battle Ground Festivals Association is preparing for three days of celebration, including a car cruise on Friday night, a parade on Saturday, and fireworks on Saturday night at Harvest Days.
- Organizers looking for cars for Cruise to the Shoug show on Aug. 454-40 Brewing Co. is hosting Cruise to the Shoug on Aug. 4 as a fundraiser for the Camas-Washougal Community Chest, and organizers are looking for car owners to book their spots for the show.
- Trump picks Ohio’s J.D. Vance for vice presidentFormer President Donald Trump picked U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, to serve as his vice president should Trump beat President Joe Biden this November for another term in the White House.
- Children with disabilities make memories at the 24th annual Merwin Day of FishingOn Saturday (July 13), Pacific Power and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife joined together to host a memorable fishing event for children with disabilities at the Merwin Fish Hatchery near Woodland.
- Letter: For the public record and the Comprehensive PlanIn a July 12 letter to the Clark County Council, Clark County Citizens United President Susan Rasmussen shares that primary stakeholders were ignored in the Wetland and Habitat Ordinance Conservation Covenant.
- CASE DISMISSED: Classified documents case against Trump thrown out by judgeA federal judge in Florida dismissed the classified documents-related criminal case against former President Donald Trump on Monday, saying the appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith violated the Constitution.
- Photos: Log show and parade at Territorial Days 2024 in AmboyTerritorial Days in Amboy never disappoints, and this weekend brought all kinds of activities in logging country, and Clark County Today had a photographer there to capture images from the annual parade and log show.