However, in order to intelligently discuss the issue of censorship, it is imperative that terms be correctly defined. When the government prevents something from being published, that is censorship. When a citizen objects to a store selling a certain book, or about a library holding a certain volume, this is not censorship. Rather, it is the exchange of ideas and opinions that, in fact, enhances the vibrancy of the American public square. The distinction must be made between these two areas.
Prior restraint is the government preventing something from being published.
This is censorship. Censorship, in the classic sense, is not a problem in this country. We do have an established and guaranteed freedom of speech and press. If the government does go beyond the boundaries of the First Amendment and become overly intrusive, prohibiting materials from being published, Christians should be the first to denounce this activity. The Christian's model for tolerance is found in the unconditional love Christ showed for his adversaries.