Julian Assange, whistleblowers, and the Christian case for journalism

Hacking, whistle-blowing, and journalism are not all the same, but do they play a part in God's purposes nonetheless?

The controversial hacker and activist (and maybe journalist?) Julian Assange was suddenly freed for five years in a British jail last month, after he reached a surprise deal with the US authorities over classified military files he published online more than ten years ago. Some see this as a victory for free speech and crusading journalism, but others would decry Assange as an irresponsible blowhard and Russian stooge. Is Assange a journalist, and if not how should we define and understand that profession? Is there a specifically Christian case for publishing leaked secret documents? Should we be alarmed at democratic governments using the courts to pursue those who pry into their darker corners?

Listen to other episodes of Matters of Life and Death or find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict, Castbox or whatever app you use to subscribe and receive new episodes sent straight to your device.

Tags
Most read posts
What can we learn from how the early church lived out their faith during their own pandemics?
How are young people different to those who came before, and what can we learn from them?
Navigating the transitions of later life
Living faithfully as we approach retirement, dependence, dementia and death
This Bill is the wrong approach - there is a better way to give individuals and their families dignity at the end of life
Recent posts
How can we build healthy and flourishing friendships at every stage of life?
Low-tech transhumanism through something as commonplace as cosmetic surgery, is already with us
Our working and personal lives are becoming increasingly infiltrated by simulated persons
Are social media and smartphones ruining children’s mental health?
Spiritual warfare, evil and technology in the 21st century