Abstract

VORSTER, Jakobus M. (Koos). Ethical perspectives on hate speech in view of the third commandment. In Skriflig (Online) [online]. 2014, vol.48, n.2, pp.01-08. ISSN 2305-0853.

This article focuses on the implications of the third commandment for hate speech in modern-day South Africa. The article contends that the names of God are expressions of his Being. The names of God as they are developed in the biblical history of revelation express his creation of covenantal community and restored relations with humankind and creation. The meaning of the names of God culminates in the New Testament expressions Father and God is love. Verbal actions that inhibit the new community created by God or violate love transgress the third commandment. Misuse of the name of God occurs among others when people, created in the image of God, are verbally degraded by hate speech because such degradation violates the community of love between God and humankind. In conclusion, the article indicates forms of hate speech in South Africa that should be dealt with in the light of the third commandment. These are acts of racist, xenophobic, sexist, religious and homophobic hate speech.

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