The Speak Life Podcast Nigel Farage, Graham Linehan and the (Christian) History of Free Speech || SLP602
Sep 9, 2025
A comedy writer's arrest sparks a debate on the decline of free speech in the UK. The conversation dives into the Christian roots of this fundamental right, emphasizing the historical role of prophetic voices. Tensions between free and hate speech laws are explored, highlighting how modern comedy navigates societal norms. The discussion advocates for using speech to uplift rather than provoke negativity, examining the moral implications of words in a theological context. Expect a thought-provoking exploration of belief and expression!
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Graham Linehan’s Heathrow Arrest
- Graham Linehan, creator of Father Ted, moved from left‑wing UK fame to being arrested after adopting gender‑critical views.
- He was detained at Heathrow by five armed officers over past tweets and later held for 16 hours, causing medical distress.
Christian Roots Of Free Speech
- Western free‑speech norms grew out of Christian theological convictions about truth and authority.
- The prophets and Jesus modelled speaking truth to power, grounding the idea that might does not equal right.
Ideas Versus Persons Distinction
- The podcast separates the worth of ideas from the worth of persons, rooted in the belief humans bear God's image.
- This distinction underpins protections for people (protected characteristics) while allowing harsh critique of ideas.
