The case against banning books from libraries

As Reform councils start banning books on transgender-related books from children’s sections of council libraries, Ashley Nichols considers what position Christian parents should take on similar bans in school libraries and on balance comes out in against banning

For an alternative view see here.

Which books or topics should and should not be addressed in schools? This is a question I’ve had to think through a lot. I am a parent of four children (now aged between 10-16 years old), a school governor, a Christian school’s worker and married to a teacher in a state primary school. Over the years, I’ve been approached by many Christian parents about this, and I have also been on the receiving end of ‘censorship’ with headteachers uninviting our ministry to lead assemblies because teaching about Christianity doesn’t reflect the makeup of their school community.

ultimately the goal is the same for Christian parents regardless on their conclusions on censorship: to raise disciples of Christ who will be effective witnesses for the gospel

There is no ‘one size fits all’ answer but ultimately the goal is the same for Christian parents regardless on their conclusions on censorship: to raise disciples of Christ who will be effective witnesses for the gospel. The challenge throughout time has always been, how do we live in the world, but not be of the world. In wanting to grow in our own holiness we might try to shut out the world, but in doing so we risk becoming less effective in relating to the lost around us.

In John 17, the incarnation provides a pattern for Christian living – just as Jesus was sent into the world, so we as his disciples, have been sent into the world. Jesus prays that his followers be protected and sanctified, that they will not be ‘of the world’. As parents we can find assurance knowing that Jesus intercedes for those who belong to him, and that, through his word and by his Spirit, not our …….