The Fragility of Freedom: Why Oversensitivity Undermines Brotherhood and Liberty

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS

Freedom and brotherhood are two ideals that have shaped my identity, beliefs, and journey through life. As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim and a convert to Christianity within the LDS Church, I have experienced oppressive systems of thought control firsthand, from the theocratic grip of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the ideological rigidity of leftist circles in America. Whether in my role as a former executive director of CAIR-Columbus, a cybersecurity professional, or a member of fraternal organizations like the Freemasons, I have come to see a disturbing trend across various institutions: an oversensitivity to dissent or nonconformity that betrays the very principles of freedom and brotherhood these groups claim to uphold.

Control Masquerading as Order

In many families, companies, or organizations, rules and constitutions are essential for cohesion. However, when these rules are weaponized to silence individuals for merely expressing opinions that seem to “violate” the group’s norms, it signals a shift from collaboration to control. I have seen this firsthand, particularly in organizations that outwardly profess commitment to freedom but practice subtle authoritarianism.

For example, during my time with CAIR, I witnessed how any critique of Islamic doctrines, even when raised constructively, was met with hostility. This is not limited to religious organizations; progressive groups on the left often enforce unwritten codes of speech and behavior under the guise of “inclusivity” or “equity.” Ironically, such environments become echo chambers where true freedom of thought cannot exist.

The Brotherhood Dilemma

Brotherhood implies trust, understanding, and the ability to disagree without fear of reprisal. As a Freemason, I have seen how fraternal bonds can be strengthened through open dialogue and diverse perspectives. Yet, even within such circles, there can be a temptation to conflate unity with uniformity.

In a family or workplace, this dynamic often manifests as over-policing conversations. The result is a stifling atmosphere where members are afraid to speak freely, fearing that any misstep might lead to ostracism. This not only discourages innovation and growth but also erodes the very trust that brotherhood requires.

The LDS Perspective on Freedom and Agency

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I cherish the doctrine of agency—the God-given right to choose and act according to one’s conscience. Agency is central to the gospel of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that genuine faith and unity can only emerge from free will, not coercion.

The scriptures warn against the compulsion of others. Doctrine and Covenants 121:39 states, “We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.” Oversensitivity to perceived rule-breaking often leads to such dominion, as leaders or members become gatekeepers of thought rather than stewards of freedom.

Lessons from Personal Transformation

My journey from being a vegan socialist to a Christian conservative taught me the importance of humility and open-mindedness. At one point, I believed in rigid ideological frameworks that labeled dissenters as enemies. It wasn’t until I began to question these beliefs that I found true freedom in Christ and the Constitution.

This same freedom allowed me to see the flaws in systems that claim to champion liberty but instead demand uncritical conformity. Whether it’s a political party, a company, or even a religious institution, the litmus test of its commitment to freedom lies in how it handles disagreement.

A Call to Courageous Freedom

If we are to build organizations, families, and societies that genuinely value freedom and brotherhood, we must reject the culture of oversensitivity. Instead, we must embrace robust dialogue, the kind that refines ideas and strengthens bonds.

The alternative is a slow descent into tyranny, where control masquerades as order and fear replaces trust. Let us remember that true freedom is not merely the absence of restraint but the presence of opportunities to speak, think, and act without undue fear of reprisal.

Citations

1. Doctrine and Covenants 121:39. Available at churchofjesuschrist.org.
2. Tocqueville, Alexis de. Democracy in America. Harper & Brothers, 1835.
3. Mill, John Stuart. On Liberty. Penguin Books, 1859.
4. Sennett, Richard. The Fall of Public Man. W.W. Norton & Company, 1977.
5. Haidt, Jonathan. The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure. Penguin Books, 2018.