Perhaps you may have come across the phrase in recent times: “fake news.” It might be helpful to follow those who differentiate this from “news satire,” which is intentionally exaggerated, ironic, and even humorous, that serves as a commentary on what ever issue it addresses. “Fake news,” on the other hand, is intended to deceive, to give the impression that what is presented is true. Fake news deliberately seeks to misinform the public for selfish or questionable motives. Fake news seeks to secure some benefit or advantage for those who spread the deceptions. Social media have become a favorite tool used to disseminate such disinformation.
This matter of fake news has spawned much discussion and debate about truth. One thing good about this is that it exposes how we tend to make our own truths. Now we are made to face the (novel!) idea that there really is such a thing as truth that exists apart from our personal preferences and desires.
In a recent blog, Ed Stetzer bemoaned how many who identify themselves as “Christians have gullibly consumed much of the fake news out there.” And some even pass on the fake news through Facebook posts and other media. We are indiscriminate and too quick to share anything that supports our viewpoint and puts down those with whom we disagree. We become sloppy about checking the truth or accuracy of what we are sharing. So “it makes us all look stupid—and causes Christianity to look foolish.” And what makes this truly important is that “if our friends and families cannot trust us with this type of news, many will not listen when we seek to share the good news of the gospel.” Stetzer has a solution: “If you have not, will not, or cannot confirm a story, do not share it.”
Christians are people of the good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ. And when we proclaim the good news, it is not about imposing our agenda on others at all costs. It is not about putting down those with whom we disagree in order to gain some benefit or advantage for ourselves—personal, political, or otherwise. We proclaim the good news so that those who hear it and respond favorably to Christ may gain a benefit and advantage for themselves. It is not for our sake that we share the truth of the gospel. It is for the sake of Christ and for the benefit of those who listen. “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3.16–17 CSB). “If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8.31–32 CSB).
—Keith Y. Jainga