Interpretation

 . . . no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation

 - From 2 Peter 1

I am a believer in the sanctity and dignity of one's own opinion.

A person should be able to think whatever he or she wants, and even say whatever they want, about anything. They should not have to prove their expertise in some field. They do not have to justify their opinion. And it's nobody's business why they think as they do, unless it's to understand and empathize.

People can vote however they want to. And it's nobody's business why they choose to vote as they do.

I am even willing to extend this philosophy to a ridiculous extreme. Even something that's clearly wrong, or harmful, or hateful, may be expressed without fear of any reprisal. Because, the human spirit, thus unfettered, may then proceed to greater depths of the mind's potential.

People that are free to express what's on their mind, will never become a despot. Hitler was the result of being shunned and shamed, at the wrong time, in his early life. Resentment for being belittled is the breeding ground for social violence.

And yet . . . there is ultimate Truth. Where thought and speech are permitted unconditionally, it is certain that error is prevalent everywhere. But that's okay. That's better than error being the official dogma of those with power. Free speech is the ultimate equalizer. It is the assurance of equity throughout the culture. When candor is welcome, we are less likely to miss an important problem that, unaddressed, may become a matter of great urgency, and cost, later.

We encourage free speech, so that Truth has a fighting chance of getting into the mainstream.

Simon Peter's statement may be applied harshly - - - it sounds like he is saying that I (and you, and we) do not have the right to an opinion. This is the mantra of 2020, where fringe groups are dominating the debate, attempting to silence (needed) divergent voices because their racial or gender background does not give them the "right" to an opinion.

But that is dangerous. Muzzled people are frustrated people. Frustration breeds anger, and anger breeds violence.

Rather, Peter is saying "Don't be so sure of yourself."

And that means everybody . . . especially those that constantly drop the word "expert" into a conversation.