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YOUTUBE WALKS DANGEROUS LINE BETWEEN TOLERANCE AND CENSORSHIP IN ITS DECISION TO TERMINATE CHANNEL OF FAMED NIGERIAN PASTOR T.B. JOSHUA

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3 years ago

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YOUTUBE WALKS DANGEROUS LINE BETWEEN TOLERANCE AND CENSORSHIP IN ITS DECISION TO TERMINATE CHANNEL OF FAMED NIGERIAN PASTOR T.B. JOSHUA
YOUTUBE WALKS DANGEROUS LINE BETWEEN TOLERANCE AND CENSORSHIP IN ITS DECISION TO TERMINATE CHANNEL OF FAMED NIGERIAN PASTOR T.B. JOSHUA
YouTube recently made the decision to terminate the channel of prominent Nigerian pastor and televangelist TB Joshua, claiming that his content repeatedly violated the company’s hate speech policy pertaining to discrimination based on sexual orientation.
In a statement made Wednesday to Today News Africa, a YouTube spokesperson Ivy Choi said TB Joshua’s channel, which had amassed over 1.8 million subscribers and 600 million views, repeatedly violated community guidelines pertaining to hate speech. In particular, she was referring to videos in which the prominent pastor claimed to cure congregants of their homosexuality.
“In accordance with our long standing three strikes system, we terminated the channel The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) for repeatedly violating our hate speech policy. Our Community Guidelines clearly prohibit content promoting violence or hatred against protected groups based on attributes such as sexual orientation,” the statement said.
Joshua responded to the labelling of his content as hate speech, stating, “Our mission is to share the love of God with everyone – irrespective of race or religion – and we strongly oppose all forms of hate speech! We have had a long and fruitful relationship with YouTube and believe this decision was made in haste.”
Many feel that it is a slippery slope to begin policing people’s actions or beliefs under the ambiguously defined label of “hate speech.” At what point does rhetoric become hate speech and stop being protected under the umbrella of religious freedom?
In the video that is most responsible for triggering the closure of Joshua’s channel, he “casts out the demon of homosexuality” from congregants.
The video’s description read, “God hates sin, not sinners. When the Bible says, ‘Do not judge so that you will not be judged’, it means we should hate sin, not the sinner because sinners can change… We should hate the act, not the people because our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the spirit beings that cause all these acts.”
While YouTube is meant to be a platform where creators can openly share ideas and express themselves, many have taken TB Joshua’s ban as an affront to the teachings of Christianity and an infringement on free expression.
Community guidelines are an important aspect of any social media platform such as YouTube, and representatives of the company have repeatedly asserted that hate is not welcome on the popular video platform.
Clearly, heinous offenses such as the incitation of violence or the promotion of child trafficking should have no place on YouTube. Yet, the label of hate speech can feel loosely defined, all-encompassing, and open to subjective interpretation. There is much disagreement about the extent to which offensive content should be tolerated and at what point free speech turns into hate speech.
Should a preacher be banned for openly practicing his religious beliefs just because they are offensive or controversial? What is the line that preachers cannot cross without their rhetoric being labeled hateful and impermissible? This raises many concerns amongst religious communities about whether pastors can be punished for merely reading the teachings of Scripture.
It can be difficult to achieve the right balance between appropriately monitoring hate speech and simultaneously promoting the free expression of religious beliefs. For instance, how can YouTube best administer its community guidelines to make sure that conservative Christians and members of the LGBT community both feel welcome and respected on the platform?
A platform with 2.3 billion users around the globe, YouTube is a subsidiary of Google and holds immense power and influence all over the world. The decision of what type of content should be allowed or banned from being posted on the platform is incredibly significant and impactful worldwide.
If YouTube were to disproportionately police conservative content, it would be accused of imposing the company’s ideological perspective on its users. Therefore, conservative Christians ought to be entitled to the same freedom of expression as more liberal content creators regardless of whether or not YouTube agrees with their perspectives.
YouTube spokesperson Ivy Choi asserted that all content creators are held to the same standard, saying of the decision to terminate TB Joshua’s channel for hate speech, “We enforce this policy consistently, regardless of speaker, nationality or religious affiliation.”
There is much controversy and disagreement surrounding the policies by which YouTube monitors content. If the organization wants to promote tolerance, it can be difficult to strike the right balance between respecting religious freedom and simultaneously protecting the interests of people groups.
While making sure that all users feel welcome on YouTube regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation is one of the company’s top concerns, it is no easy feat to pull off. Protecting the interests of one group sometimes means taking protections away from another group, leaving YouTube performing a never-ending balancing act.
There are many practical challenges for a company like YouTube, which is headquartered in California, United States but has grown to immense popularity worldwide. This provides for additional difficulties in monitoring global content, given the religious and cultural differences between different parts of the world. Throughout Nigeria and much of Africa, homosexuality is currently punishable by law.
As the world reacts to the removal of TB Joshua’s channel and many disagree about whether or not it was justified, the pastor urged listeners Friday to “be strong” and said, “I got to know what happened to YouTube when I saw the viewers complaining… I want you to help me pray for YouTube… Don’t see them the other way around; see them as friends.”
Noah Pitcher is a U.S. and global politics writer at Today News Africa who specializes in covering the White House. A full-time undergraduate student at California Polytechnic State University of San Luis Obispo, Noah is studying Political Science with a concentration in global politics. Noah’s background and experience include working on congressional campaigns, with elected members of the American government, and as part of numerous research teams.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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I Celebrate With Pastor Paul Tao On Life @ 70

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4 days ago

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May 9, 2024

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I Celebrate With Pastor Paul Tao On Life @ 70

How do you feel as your mentor, Pastor Paul Tao clocks 70-year on earth? 
Ans: I celebrate his remarkable 70th birthday,  I find myself reflecting on the immense impact he has had, not only on my life but on the entire music scene in our country, he has been a pioneering force, ushering in a generation of exceptional guitarists and musicians, and for that, we owe him a profound debt of gratitude.
From my earliest memories, I was captivated by his  musical productions, his  collaborations with legends like Evangelist J.A. Adelakun (Ayewa) brought forth timeless songs such as “Amona Tete Ma Bo,” which have left an indelible mark on my heart and inspired countless others. His work with Chief Ebenezer Obey further cemented his status as a foundational pillar in our musical heritage. These productions from the 1980s were more than just music; they were a call to many of us, igniting dreams and aspirations. For me, they solidified my resolve to become a guitarist, keyboardist, and music producer.
I Celebrate With Pastor Paul Tao On Life @ 70
Que: How would you linked Pastor Tao’ s guitarist experience with Christendom?
Ans: Pastor Tao preached the gospel with his guitar in ways that resonates as deeply as the most passionate sermons delivered from the pulpit. His melodies are divine symphonies, each note and chord reverberating with the harmony of a thousand angels. It’s no exaggeration to say that his  music is a bridge to celestial wonders, an offering of heavenly sounds.
Que:What inspired  his  mentorship in you?
Ans: I  am profoundly grateful for the role he played in my formative years. His influence spurred me to pursue excellence in every note I played and in every piece I composed. His  mentorship, though perhaps from afar, was a guiding light, leading me to where I am today— (Successful in USA, now based in Germany). A testament to his lasting impact on those fortunate enough to follow his path.
On this special birthday, I wish Pastor Tao all the joy his heart can hold. May his years ahead be filled with the strength of youthfulness  and his  visions manifest into reality. His life has touched not just a handful, but thousands of budding talents across Nigeria and beyond, nurturing a rich legacy of musical brilliance.
As he now embraced the fullness of pastoral work, I see that his  artistry remains as vibrant and meaningful as ever.
At 70, the resonance of his guitar and the prophetic power of his  voice continue to be a source of inspiration and comfort to all who hear them.
This year, we celebrate you, Pastor Paul Tao, for the incredible journey you’ve embarked upon and the many trails you’ve blazed. You are, without a doubt, a monumental figure in our musical landscape, and I am endlessly thankful for the light you’ve shone on our artistic endeavors.
Wishing you a joyous 70th birthday, filled with love, music, and the company of those who cherish you as deeply as I do.
Forever grateful and celebrating you.

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Grace Nation PHDS: To Every Battle there is a Spirit Behind It – Dr Chris Okafor

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2 weeks ago

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April 25, 2024

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Grace Nation PHDS: To Every Battle there is a Spirit Behind It - Dr Chris Okafor

Grace Nation PHDS: To Every Battle there is a Spirit Behind It – Dr Chris Okafor

.. Grace Nation International Visitors Impartation conference recorded huge testimonies

 

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The major Problem of a Man is caused by the unclean spirit leaving within his household, because whenever a man is in bondage a spirit is behind it.

Grace Nation PHDS: To Every Battle there is a Spirit Behind It - Dr Chris Okafor

 

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This and more are the foundation raised at the Grace Nation international midweek Prophecy, Healings, Deliverance and Solution service PHDS held at the International Headquarters of the church in Ojodu Berger Lagos Nigeria.

In the sermon delivered by the Lead Pastor, Grace Nation world-wide Popularly known as the Generational Prophet Dr Chris Okafor with title “Breaking Demonic Yoke” said for someone to Break out of demonic yoke, there are some unclean Spirit that has to be dealt with.

The Popular Lagos Televangelist also remarked that though God has given and empowers his children to deals with unclean spirit and cast them away stated further that you must also leave a life full of clean hand and commitment to the things of God to be empowered by God to break demonic yokes.

The Generational Prophet of God Dr Chris Okafor remarked that when you work for God, he in return work in your Favour, When you leave a life of Purity, serve your God in truth and in Spirit, be a soul winner, then God will empower you with what it takes to break yoke, cast out demons, No matter how it comes with God’s empowerment , yea shall overcome and every hidden spirit behind any kind of Bondage shall be broken, because the spirit of God is responsible to bring Liberty and you will Be free indeed, To Every Negative things that happen , satan has a hand in it says the Generational Prophet of God.

Meanwhile the Annual International Visitors Impartation conference has recorded very huge testimonies from Participants at the one week long conference.

The Conference recorded over 2000 participants who came across the Globe at the International Headquarters of Grace Nation world-wide in Ojodu Berger Lagos Nigeria.

A Participant who will not want her name mentioned who came from United state of America said the battles that has leaved with her for over 2 decades disappears within few seconds after God servant lay hand on her just like that, Another participants said Dr Chris Okafor teachings open her eyes to how to go about the battles she is confronting saying the eyes opener has helped her wins her battles, while another participants said what he has been looking for , since over 7years God uses his servant to hand it over to him. Lots and lots of testimonies at the ongoing international Visitors Impartation conference, the program will come to end on Sunday 28th April 2024 with a special thanksgiving service at same Venue by 7am-11am.

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Prophet Fasola launches inspirational book, ‘Knowing Your Position in Christ’ on Amazon

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3 weeks ago

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April 23, 2024

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Prophet Fasola launches inspirational book, ‘Knowing Your Position in Christ’ on Amazon

 

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Upwardly mobile Evangelist, Prophet Idowu Fasola, otherwise known as Broda Woli has launched his inspirational book, ‘Knowing Your Position in Christ’ on Amazon.

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‘Knowing Your Position in Christ’ is an exciting book that uncovers the reader’s identity and purpose as a Christian.

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According to the author, in the book, readers will “learn that, through your faith in Jesus, you’re welcomed into God’s family with open arms. You gain salvation, righteousness, and an incredible inheritance. This book will help you grasp your new identity in Christ and inspire you to live in a way that truly honors God.”

 

Prophet Fasola (Broda Woli) is the Shepherd-in-Charge of Celestial Church of Christ Hirahjahman Parish. He has a deep understanding of the teachings of Christ and a passion for sharing them with others.

In addition to his spiritual gifts, Prophet Fasola is also versatile in many other areas, including Writing, Songwriting, Content
Creation, Video editing, Graphics Design, and using social media to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Through his book, Prophet Fasola aims to inspire and guide others to better understand their position in Christ and to live out their faith in meaningful ways. With his passion for sharing the message of hope and love found in Jesus Christ, Prophet Fasola is dedicated to helping others grow in their relationship with God and to live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

 

Read book here:

 

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