Episode 2442: Big Tech Censorship: A New Age of Persecution Against Traditional Catholic Voices

In this episode, we will delve into the ways Big Tech censorship parallels the historical suppression of religious and conservative voices, examine the consequences of allowing this censorship to continue, and explore what we, as Catholics, can do to resist it.
1. The Reality of Big Tech Censorship – Sharon
Platforms like Facebook and YouTube have increasingly been accused of censoring content that doesn't align with progressive ideologies. Traditional Catholic voices, which often defend objective moral truths and uphold natural law, are frequently targeted for removal under the guise of "violating community standards." The lack of transparency and the vague nature of these violations leave many feeling frustrated and powerless.

This censorship is not merely a political issue; from a traditional Catholic perspective, it represents a direct attack on the truth. Jesus Christ reminds us in the Gospel of John: "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). When the truth is suppressed, we are denied the freedom that comes from knowing and living in accordance with God's will.
Saint John Paul II warned us about the dangers of ideologies that seek to silence truth. In his encyclical Centesimus Annus, he stated, "A democracy without values easily turns into open or thinly disguised totalitarianism." When Big Tech platforms control the narrative and silence those who speak out against secularism and relativism, we are witnessing the gradual descent into a form of digital totalitarianism, where dissenting voices are systematically suppressed.
2. Parallels with Marxist and Communist Regimes – Walt
The tactics employed by Big Tech companies today bear a striking resemblance to the methods used by Marxist, socialist, and communist regimes to control public discourse. Under these regimes, censorship was a tool to suppress dissent, control the media, and enforce ideological conformity. Those who spoke against the official state narrative were often persecuted, imprisoned, or even executed.
For instance, in the Soviet Union, dissenting voices were silenced through censorship, and religious institutions were heavily persecuted. Religious leaders were imprisoned, and churches were shut down. Similarly, in Maoist China, the Cultural Revolution targeted intellectuals and religious figures who opposed the regime. These tactics created a climate of fear and forced conformity to the state's atheistic ideology.
In today's digital landscape, we see a similar trend. Big Tech companies often suppress traditional Catholic teachings on marriage, family, and life issues under the pretext of "hate speech." The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us: "The truth is the light of the intellect. Without the light of truth, our actions would be devoid of understanding and reason." (CCC 2467). When these platforms silence voices that proclaim God's truth, they contribute to the moral and cultural decay of society, much like the communist regimes of the past.

3. The Consequences of Inaction – Sharon
If we do not resist this growing censorship, we risk facing the same consequences experienced under authoritarian regimes. History has shown that the suppression of religious and dissenting voices leads to a loss of freedom, cultural decay, and ultimately, persecution.
In the Soviet Union, the control of public discourse led to the erosion of religious freedom and the widespread persecution of believers. Churches were closed, religious practices were banned, and believers were forced to practice their faith in secret. We must remember the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew: "Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). If we allow the silencing of traditional Catholic voices to go unchecked, we may find ourselves in a situation where practicing our faith openly becomes increasingly difficult.
Moreover, as Pope John Paul II reminded us, "Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought." When Big Tech platforms deny us the right to speak the truth, they are not only infringing upon our freedom of speech but also our freedom to fulfill our duty to proclaim the Gospel.

4. Standing Up Against Censorship – Walt
So, what can we do to resist this modern form of persecution? First and foremost, we must remain faithful to the teachings of the Church and refuse to be silenced. Saint Paul exhorts us: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). This is a spiritual battle, and we must arm ourselves with prayer, fasting, and the sacraments.
In addition to spiritual resistance, we can take practical steps to protect our freedom. Supporting legal action against censorship, promoting alternative platforms that respect free speech, and raising public awareness about the dangers of Big Tech's control over public discourse are all ways we can stand up against this modern-day persecution.
Let us also remember the words of Saint John Chrysostom, who said: "For though the righteous fall even seven times, they will rise again." We may face setbacks and challenges in this battle, but with God's grace, we will ultimately prevail.

Conclusion:
The silencing of conservative and traditional Catholic voices on platforms like Facebook and YouTube is not just a political issue—it is a spiritual battle for the soul of our society. This censorship mirrors the tactics used by Marxist, socialist, and communist regimes to suppress dissent and control public discourse. If we do not resist, we risk losing our freedom, witnessing the decay of our culture, and facing increased persecution.
However, as Catholics, we are called to stand firm in the truth, no matter the cost. By remaining faithful to the teachings of the Church and taking practical steps to resist this censorship, we can help preserve the light of Christ in a world that increasingly seeks to snuff it out. Let us pray for the courage to stand up for the truth and for the grace to be faithful witnesses in this digital age.
Let us conclude with the words of our Lord in the Gospel of John: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).

Closing Prayer: - Sharon
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Almighty and Ever-Living God, we thank You for the opportunity to reflect on the challenges we face in defending Your truth in a world that seeks to silence it. Strengthen our faith, fortify our hearts, and guide our steps as we navigate these trying times. May we always remain faithful to Your Church and Your teachings, no matter the cost. Grant us the grace to persevere in the face of opposition and to stand firm in the light of Christ.
We entrust all our efforts to Our Lady, Queen of Heaven, asking her to intercede for us and protect us under her mantle. Through her prayers and the prayers of all the saints, may we be ever faithful to You, O Lord, now and forever.
We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.