I would never have compared Fifty Shades of Grey with the Bible, but Christian commentator Eric Metaxas has, and for a very good reason: they both arouse strong opposition. As he points out, every year, the American Library Association receives reports from libraries, schools, and the media on attempts to ban books in communities across the country. It then compiles lists to help the public appreciate the calls for censorship that affects schools and libraries. Most of the books that top the list contain explicit sex or seek to advance a particular sexual agenda. But in what might come as a surprise to some, the sixth most challenged book is the Bible.

I must admit I was not too surprised to be told this because I am finding a growing reluctance and even opposition to some of the things I find in the Bible too, not least its stress on the uniqueness of Jesus and its provocative teaching on sexual ethics.

And as we are all too aware, people tend to resort to censorship in an attempt to close down discussion on those topics that they find uncomfortable and disconcerting. TS Eliot once said: “’Humankind cannot bear very much reality.” He might have added, we cannot bear very much disagreement either.

We have seen hints of this human trait in the ‘anti-Semitism storm’ that has recently engulfed the Labour party. Now I am definitely no anti-Semite. I have esteemed Jewish friends and I recognise the incredible contribution that the Jews have made to the world - not least in the arts and science - over the centuries. I would want to echo the sentiments of historian Niall Ferguson who has suggested that: “The murder and the mayhem perpetrated by anti-Semites throughout history and above all in the twentieth century deserves its special place in the annals of infamy.” When it comes to our treatment of the Jews, we have much to be ashamed of.

In fact far from being an anti-Semite, I am a proud follower of a man who chose to be born and Jew, and was first and foremost a Jewish or rather, THE Jewish king (The Messiah). The roots of my faith are to be found in God’s choice of the Jews as His special people, and my Bible clearly shows me that far from wanting to throw the Old Testament in the dustbin Jesus claimed to fulfill it.

But that does not mean I should not be allowed to criticise the state of Israel if I feel it is not treating the Palestinians in the way God expects it to. If that makes me anti-Semitic, then lots of the Jewish prophets would have to be labelled anti-Semitic too given their trenchant criticisms. And it does not mean that it is wrong to question the Zionist philosophy either, given the fact that the term Zionism refers to a political movement which emerged in 19th century Europe aimed at establishing a Jewish homeland and combating anti-Semitism.

Indeed, as Walter Laquer, no stranger to anti-Semitism himself reminds us: “Up to the 1930s, the great majority of Jews were either opposed to Zionism or indifferent -which did not make them anti-Semites.”

We need to tread carefully then. On one hand, God expects us to treat every human being, whatever their colour or creed, with the utmost respect. We should never dehumanise anyone who has been created in God’s image and who has the potential to become as fully human as Christ.

But on the other, had we should not try to close down discussions when we hear things being said that we disagree with or dislike. Freedom of speech has limits of course, but given the lessons of history, and the recent findings of the American Library Association, we would do well to err on the side of caution.

Rob James is a Baptist Pastor broadcaster and writer who currently operates as a church and media consultant for the Evangelical Alliance Wales. He is available for preaching and teaching throughout Wales and can be contacted at [email protected]