Freedom of speech
Note: Some quotes here may refer to this topic as a legally protected freedom, and others may simply be speaking to the moral encouragement or discouragement of certain free expression.
Documents[edit]
When the right of speech prevails, development is inevitable (differs from autocracies)[edit]
"Under an autocratic government the opinions of men are not free, and development is stifled, whereas in democracy, because thought and speech are not restricted, the greatest progress is witnessed. It is likewise true in the world of religion. When freedom of conscience, liberty of thought and right of speech prevail--that is to say, when every man according to his own idealization may give expression to his beliefs--development and growth are inevitable."
The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions.[edit]
"The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, sec. 44, p. 87)
A thousand people may be wrong, whereas one sagacious person may be right[edit]
"Even a majority opinion or consensus may be incorrect. A thousand people may hold to one view and be mistaken, whereas one sagacious person may be right."
Freedom of speech leads to unity[edit]
"Freedom of thought and speech enlarges the circle of one’s understanding and leads to progress and unity."
- ('Abdu'l-Bahá, Star of the West, Volume 2, Issue 11, p. 5)
Limitation for Bahá'ís in the context of rejecting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's successor (none to express contrary opinions regarding appointment)[edit]
"For he is, after ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Guardian of the Cause of God, the Afnán, the Hands (pillars) of the Cause and the beloved of the Lord must obey him and turn unto him. He that obeyeth him not, hath not obeyed God; he that turneth away from him, hath turned away from God and he that denieth him, hath denied the True One. Beware lest anyone falsely interpret these words, and like unto them that have broken the Covenant after the Day of Ascension (of Bahá’u’lláh) advance a pretext, raise the standard of revolt, wax stubborn and open wide the door of false interpretation. To none is given the right to put forth his own opinion or express his particular conviction. All must seek guidance and turn unto the Center of the Cause and the House of Justice. And he that turneth unto whatsoever else is indeed in grievous error."
Bahá’ís may constructively criticize Assembly actions and policies (without undermining authority of the Assembly). The best occasion for this is the Nineteen Day Feast.[edit]
...you had asked whether the believers have the right to openly express their criticism of any Assembly action or policy: it is not only the right, but the vital responsibility of every loyal and intelligent member of the Community to offer fully and frankly, but with due respect and consideration to the authority of the Assembly, any suggestion, recommendation or criticism he conscientiously feels he should in order to improve and remedy certain existing conditions or trends in his local Community, and it is the duty of the Assembly also to give careful consideration to any such views submitted to them by any one of the believers. The best occasion chosen for this purpose is the Nineteen Day Feast, which, besides its social and spiritual aspects, fulfils various administrative needs and requirements of the Community, chief among them being the need for open and constructive criticism and deliberation regarding the state of affairs within the local Bahá’í Community.
But again it should be stressed that all criticisms and discussions of a negative character which may result in undermining the authority of the Assembly as a body should be strictly avoided. For otherwise the order of the Cause itself will be endangered, and confusion and discord will reign in the Community.
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 13 December 1939 to an individual believer, Bahá’í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feasts, no. 79)
Very root of the Cause is the undoubted right of the individual to self-expression[edit]
"Let us also remember that at the very root of the Cause lies the principle of the undoubted right of the individual to self-expression, his freedom to declare his conscience and set forth his views. If certain instructions of the Master are today particularly emphasized and scrupulously adhered to, let us be sure that they are but provisional measures designed to guard and protect the Cause in its present state of infancy and growth until the day when this tender and precious plant shall have sufficiently grown to be able to withstand the unwisdom of its friends and the attacks of its enemies."
