Home昔日真理報2012年 真理報文章2012 年 7 月【事事關心】萎縮中的宗教表達權利

【事事關心】萎縮中的宗教表達權利

 

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在以往基督教文化主導的歐美國家中,基督徒的言論權利正在不斷地萎縮。今次在這專欄和大家討論一些近期比較有代表性的案例。

首先,今年 [2012] 初加拿大的最高法院作出裁判,強逼魁北克省的天主教和基督教徒家長一定要讓其子女參與學校的多元宗教課程,否則就觸犯法律。該法院的代表法官還強詞奪理,振振有詞地說: 「若認為將子女暴露於多種宗教等同踐踏他們和父母的宗教自由,就是否定了加國多元文化的現實。」

那真是荒謬的理論!依據這法官的邏輯,若家長不容子女觀看電視或網絡上的色情廣播,那就是否定了淫猥意識在社會中無孔不入的現實吧。剛好相反,正因為基督徒家長清楚接受了電視和網絡上的色情泛濫這現實存在,才設法禁止和避免接觸色情的傳播。故此,這些基督徒父母希望其子女不受其他宗教影響的心願也是一合情合理的要求。由此觀之,判決此案的法官認為基督徒的宗教表達權利不應被尊重,因為是抵觸魁北克政策和法官們對接納多元宗教的立場。法官在此也作出了政治考慮。

大西洋彼岸的英國,社會文化是加拿大的前輩,基督教文化基礎本應比加國更深。然而,現今卻更抗拒和敵對基督徒在公眾地方的信仰表達。筆者嚐試舉三個例子: [ 詳情可參考這網上連結 www.christian concern.com/cases]

上月中,一位執業28年的家庭醫師[Dr. Richard Scott] 被其僱主指控他與病人分享"私人"的基督教信仰是違反專業操守,被紀律警戒、記過上冊五年。雖然整個起訴過程沒有人[包括那病人] 出庭為控方作證,只有控方宣稱的(而且不能公開的)電話證據。在華人教會正推動什麼?傳福音事工之際,基督徒應否值得留意在美加兩國有沒有同樣事情的發生?

此外,今年4月,前任英國坎特百里大主教 (ex-Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord George Carey)寫信給歐洲人權法庭,發表他對英國法庭的不滿,指出英國法庭在審案中惡言對待案中和案外的該國基督徒,其手法一如過往同性戀人士所遭遇的壓迫,並且運用平權法來歧視基督徒和將基督教邊緣化。可以肯定地說,若非事態嚴重,相信這位宗教領袖通常不會隨便公開說出這樣激動的評論!

導致他如此評擊乃因為四位基督徒先前被英國法庭不公正的判決而上訴到歐洲人權法庭 (今年9月開庭),指控英國沒有合理地保障他們的宗教信仰表達權利。這四人包括拒絕服務同性戀人士的輔導員和證婚人各一位、兩位因為在工作地方佩戴十字架而被革職的基督徒女士。

另一類似這樣的法庭判決是有關禁止 Premier Radio 計劃於2010年藉著電台廣告去收集基督徒被歧視和不公平對待的投訴,其目的是讓社會大眾留意和尊重基督徒的言論權利。然而,英國的電台監管機關 Radio Advertising Clearance Centre (RACC) 認為此廣告是「政治性的」,所以禁止。Premier Radio上訴到高等法院,但法官認同RACC的見解,認為這廣告有政治性目的,旨在改變社會文化。文化部長 Jeremy Hunt 更罕有地公開支持高等法院和 RACC 的判決。

難怪有些基督徒認為英國怎麼變了這樣極權(totalitarian)。該基督徒組織Premier Radio 的主管Peter Kerridge 慨嘆地說:「我們本來只希望為了社會的公正作一點兒努力,但這次判決直接威脅到國民權利之言論自由,所以,我們仍然要繼續爭取到這權利。」

類似以上的事情其實在加拿大和美國也在經常發生,只不過是主流傳媒沒有報導而已。筆者在此作出呼籲:這些事情最終都是關於公義問題,基督徒不應該因為這些事涉及政治,或被他人說這是政治就沉默無聲,不敢討論。北美洲在過往是世人嚮往的自由樂園,乃因為美加兩國的鼻祖在立國時定下了宗教和言論自由的法律基礎,以致兩國人民可以享受到上帝的祝福。

CareEverything 2 230x109若希望繼續享受這祝福, 首要的是我們信徒不要認為信仰純粹是私人的事,而助長「宗教私有化」的意念,使它成為一種社會觀念或甚至風氣!要達致此目標,基督徒必須敢於在公眾領域表達自己的信仰。否則,不單將來傳福音會更困難,基督徒將來能接觸到的基督教團體亦會愈來愈少,因為禁制基督教團體的力量將會愈來愈強大,這是現今歐美及世界的趨勢。

 

      聖經金句 (Bible Verses)

喜樂 Joy

喜樂的心乃是良藥;憂傷的靈使骨枯乾。箴言 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

然而,我要因耶和華歡欣,因救我的 神喜樂。哈巴谷書 3:18
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18

要常常喜樂,不住的禱告,凡事謝恩。帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:16-17
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

饒恕 Forgiveness

主啊,你本為良善,樂意饒恕人,有豐盛的慈愛賜給凡求告你的人。詩篇 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

你不要說:“我要以惡報惡”;要等候耶和華,他必拯救你。箴言 20:22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. Proverbs 6:14

你們饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必饒恕你們的過犯;馬太福音 6:14
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

你們不饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必不饒恕你們的過犯。馬太福音 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15

你們各人若不從心裡饒恕你的弟兄,我天父也要這樣待你們了。馬太福音 18:35
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart. Matthew 18:35

謙卑 Humility

敬畏耶和華是智慧的訓誨;尊榮以前,必有謙卑。箴言 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33

敬畏耶和華心存謙卑,就得富有、尊榮、生命為賞賜。箴言 22:4
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

凡事不可結黨,不可貪圖虛浮的榮耀;只要存心謙卑,各人看別人比自己強。腓立比書 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

驕傲 Pride

驕傲來,羞恥也來;謙遜人卻有智慧。箴言 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

驕傲只啟爭競;聽勸言的,卻有智慧。箴言 13:10
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Proverbs 13:10

驕傲在敗壞以先;狂心在跌倒之前。箴言 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

忍耐 Patience

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

並且你們要為我的名,被眾人恨惡,惟有忍耐到底的,必然得救。馬可福音 13:13
Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

不但如此,就是在患難中也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Romans 5:3

我們行善,不可喪志;若不灰心,到了時候就要收成加拉太書 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

你們也當忍耐,堅固你們的心,因為主來的日子近了。雅各書 5:8
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8

溫柔 Meekness

回答柔和,使怒消退;言語暴戾,觸動怒氣。箴言 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

溫柔的人有福了,因為他們必承受地土。馬太福音 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

用溫柔勸戒那抵擋的人;或者 神給他們悔改的心,可以明白真道。提摩太後書 2:25
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:25

只要以裡面存著長久溫柔、安靜的心為妝飾;這在 神面前是極寶貴的。彼得前書 3:4
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

嫉妒 Envy

不要為作惡的心懷不平,也不要向那行不義的生出嫉妒。詩篇 37:1
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong. Psalm 37:1

心中安靜是肉體的生命;嫉妒是骨中的朽爛。箴言 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30

在何處有嫉妒、紛爭,就在何處有擾亂和各樣的壞事。雅各書 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16

生氣 Anger

當止住怒氣,離棄忿怒;不要心懷不平,以致作惡。詩篇 37:8
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8

好生氣的人,不可與他結交;暴怒的人,不可與他來往。箴言 22:24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered. Proverbs 22:24

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

生氣卻不要犯罪.不可含怒到日落。以弗所書 4:26
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

我親愛的弟兄們,這是你們所知道的,但你們各人要快快的聽,慢慢的說,慢慢的動怒,因為人的怒氣並不成就 神的義。雅各書 1:19,20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19,20

災難 Calamity

謹守口與舌的、就保守自己免受災難。箴言 21:23
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

民要攻打民、國要攻打國、多處必有地震、饑荒.這都是災難的起頭。馬可福音 13:8
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Mark 13:8

憂愁 Worry

你們不要憂愁、因靠耶和華而得的喜樂是你們的力量。尼希米記 8:10
Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

主雖使人憂愁, 還要照他諸般的慈愛發憐憫。耶利米哀歌 3:32
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. Lamentations 3:32

凡勞苦擔重擔的人,可以到我這裡來,我就使你們得安息。馬太福音 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

我留下平安給你們、我將我的平安賜給你們.我所賜的、不像世人所賜的.你們心裏不要憂愁、也不要膽怯。約翰福音 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

應當一無掛慮,只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求和感謝,將你們所要的告訴神。神所賜出人意外的平安,必在基督耶穌裡,保守你們的心懷意念。腓立比書 4:6,7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

因此, 你們是大有喜樂, 但如今, 在百般的試煉中暫時憂愁。彼得前書 1:6
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6

患難 Trouble, Suffering

義人多有苦難,但耶和華救他脫離這一切。詩篇 34:19
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19

神是我們的避難所,是我們的力量,是我們在患難中隨時的幫助!詩篇 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

耶和華本為善,在患難的日子為人的保障,並且認得那些投靠他的人。那鴻書 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

為義受逼迫的人有福了,因為天國是他們的。馬太福音 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

不但如此,就是在患難中,也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; Romans 5:3

我想現在的苦楚,若比將來要顯於我們的榮耀,就不足介意了。羅馬書 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

因為你們蒙恩,不但得以信服基督,並要為他受苦。腓立比書 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. Philippians 1:29

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