Abstract
Devout Christians work in a spectrum of library settings (including public libraries), networked by globalized information access. By nature of their employment, these librarians assist patrons in accessing and retrieving information that challenges or conflicts with a biblical worldview. How can one defend taking such an active role in this seeming contradiction? This article maintains that Christian commitment may not only co-exist with the freedom of information access but may also support it as a universal human right in our globalized, pluralistic context. To make the case, the essay contrasts two varying accounts of Global Ethics (differing in their view of the suitable role of religion in society). Then the article analyzes the historical roots of “religious liberty” within early Christian thought. Finally, the essay contends that a robust approach to religious liberty entails considerations of reciprocity and the right to access contrary perspectives, in order that religious adherents may properly understand and accurately portray opposing worldviews and may avoid the mere parroting of unchallenged beliefs. In this manner, an allegiance to the particularity of Christian faith can coalesce with support for the freedom of information access, including library patron access to antithetical belief systems and ideologies.
Recommended Citation
Hartog, Paul A.
(2023)
"Global Ethics, Religious Liberty, and Freedom of Information Access,"
The Christian Librarian: Vol. 66:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55221/2572-7478.2397
Included in
Applied Ethics Commons, Christianity Commons, Collection Development and Management Commons, Ethics in Religion Commons, Information Literacy Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons