Information can be disseminated through rumours, social media, or mainstream media. While all these channels may be questionable, mainstream media often receives more credibility than others. Due to its perceived reliability, mainstream media tends to garner more followers compared to other channels. This is because information supported by the majority is seen as more influential in shaping beliefs towards a particular narrative. However, the veracity of information does not depend on these channels; it remains steadfast, even when dismissed.
For example, an entire city could be convinced that I am from Nigeria. Mainstream media, which can also be a vehicle for propaganda, might broadcast this untruth until it is widely accepted as fact. This illustrates human fallibility: we are often misled by misinformation, which then informs significant decisions. In biblical stories, God’s people were similarly misled by false prophets. Misinformation acts as a catalyst for the existing problems facing humanity.
Often, information is accepted as true simply because it comes from our peers. Numerous factors contribute to the presumption of its accuracy, even if it’s false. Ultimately, evaluations tend to be based on self-interest rather than objective likelihood. A person may become oblivious to the truth if it serves interests contrary to their own viewpoint.
The spread and acceptance of falsehoods have been a persistent aspect of human behaviour since the time of Adam. Eve was quickly convinced by Satan’s deceit, leading to the calamity that struck humanity. In this world, there is nothing more vital than the task of assessing information to establish its truthfulness before application. The importance of evaluating information was as significant to Adam as it is to those living in our era.
The prevailing trend among humans is to become emotional when defending their beliefs. The Bible is full of stories where prophets were killed for speaking truths that people refused to accept. Misinformation often finds favour with those who are in the wrong, as it aligns with destructive outcomes. The world seems predisposed to embrace falsehoods rather than the truth, mirroring the way falsehoods lead to ruin, before internment to the grave.
The response of a group to new information can often forecast their condition. Truthful individuals usually ask many questions, indicating a willingness to learn. When they consider something negligible, they dismiss it without emotion. On the other hand, those who are untruthful often react with emotional defensiveness, outright rejecting anything that contradicts their preconceived notions to preserve their existing beliefs.
The knowledge of Jesus is unparalleled, as he is believed to have come directly from the divine source. In today’s world, scientific discoveries hold more credibility than other forms of information because they are based on verifiable axioms and yield practical results. This stands in contrast to knowledge derived from theoretical assumptions. Christianity, being a faith grounded in truth rather than mythology, should not be viewed as a complex subject.
Truth is attractive to truthful people, particularly when their survival is perceived as enhanced. However, truth can be repugnant to those ensnared in peril. Convincing those who value physical survival above all to forsake deception can be difficult. Their decisions are driven by the effects of pain, rather than logic. Paul observed that such people are influenced by the god of this world, who obscures their vision with earthly strategies.
“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:3-6 NIV).
Truth does not always appeal to the masses. The gospel does not seek to reach a multitude, but rather those who are willing to assess information and discern the truth. It is uncertain who these individuals might be, as only through divine grace can the sightless be aided. The dissemination of truth is often hindered by the fervent opposition of those in sin. Nonetheless, the faithful disseminators of information persist in their efforts, hopeful that some may find salvation.
Food often ranks as the most compelling of all survival considerations. Thus, Satan chose it as his initial tactic to tempt Jesus (Matthew 4:3-11). The subsequent strategy was to challenge Jesus’ understanding and correct use of the Scriptures. Unwavering, Jesus’ knowledge stemmed from the source itself. The final attempt aimed to lure Jesus with the prospect of human adoration and fame, yet it failed to sway the well-informed Jesus.
The unwavering nature of Jesus was rooted in His complete certainty of the truth. His understanding was direct, eliminating any doubt regarding His knowledge. Many regard Jesus as the only genuine authority in religious affairs, unmatched in His claims about the afterlife. His death and resurrection are seen as validation of His truthfulness. Currently, there is a noticeable lack of worldwide scepticism concerning the historical reality of Jesus.
The issue of disbelief persists primarily among those who profit from human ignorance. Upon brief examination within our country, one can observe politicians and business people reaping substantial benefits from the public’s lack of knowledge. However, this behaviour is not unique to Zimbabwe. Historical accounts show that it occurred even during the time of Paul’s evangelistic efforts. Paul and his companions narrowly escaped death. A businessman had attempted to exploit the ignorance of the people for his personal gain.
“About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in no little business for the craftsmen. He called them together, along with the workmen in related trades, and said: ‘Men, you know we receive a good income from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshipped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty” (Acts 19:23-27 NIV).
For a businessman, valuing profit over the well-being of clients, disseminating false information is simple. Stirring up turmoil among the uninformed is easy since they often respond emotionally. In contrast, those who value truth are not swayed by emotions and always search for facts to debunk untruths. Rational thinking is a clear counter to emotional manipulation, which often obscures the truth from the poorly informed. This situation exemplifies a fundamental dichotomy of life: the disparity between ignorance and enlightenment.
Charismatic preachers often evoke strong emotions in their audience. However, it’s crucial to understand that truth isn’t necessarily linked to emotion but to reason and intellectual scrutiny, grounded in data of comparable scope. A statement’s veracity is determined by its alignment with other data of similar scope. This principle underpins the law of reasoning, which is essential for discerning valuable information.
Across the globe, numerous religions exist for various reasons. The freedom to practice one’s religion is a cornerstone of a civilized society. However, truly free individuals are those who critically assess their religious beliefs. They are not constrained by culture or tradition but rather use reason to underpin their dedication to their faith. When they deem it good, it is through a comparison with a similar belief system, grounded in factual analysis.
Many religions, including Christianity, recognize the existence of a divine entity. They frequently cite the cherished teachings of their faith’s founder, which can be advantageous when these teachings are considered to promote the well-being of the community. Safety, in this context, pertains to improving survival, often compromised by disease and a finite lifespan. The pursuit of maximum survival is typically linked with the notion of eternity. Consequently, the informant considered most trustworthy is typically the one who proposes the assurance of eternal life.
Christianity distinctively affirms the promise of eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While He dwelled among common folk, Jesus was no ordinary man. He declared His divine origin, yet those entrenched in deception refused to believe, even without evaluating the truth of His attestation. At one juncture, His foes sought to end His life prematurely, motivated by passion instead of logic, epitomizing the actions of those lacking knowledge.
“Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, ‘I have shown you many great miracles from the Father, For which of these do you stone me?’ ‘We are not stoning you for any of these’ replied the Jews, ‘but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.’ Jesus answered them, ‘Is it not written in your Law, “I have said you are gods?” If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken—what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, “I am God’s Son”? Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may learn and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father’” (John 10:31-38 NIV).
The individuals in question were emotionally opposed to Jesus, despite the evidence presented through His miracles. Their inability to see was a result of their emotional state. They had the opportunity to learn more from Jesus if emotions had not hindered them. Jesus claimed to originate from God, whom they professed to believe in. Inquiring further to ascertain His authenticity should not have been an issue. The Scriptures indicate that they posed numerous questions, which He addressed using Scriptural texts, yet their hostility towards Him persisted. The questions were designed to trap Him and find good reasons to accuse Him
The state of disbelief can be remedied by dedicating time to weigh known facts against new ideas; assessing which offers a greater likelihood of enduring. Without the opportunity to scrutinize information, one becomes vulnerable to manipulation. Such an individual is akin to chaff swept away by any compelling doctrine. Those who are truthful are not timid; they are open to scrutinizing and willing to embrace new experiences.
One should not assume they are on solid ground in their beliefs unless they adopt a Gnostic stance, which involves a readiness to scrutinize the very foundations of their faith. A person who seeks truth does not believe merely for the sake of belief, but rather because they find assured value in their convictions. When Jesus is the bedrock of one’s faith, every word attributed to Him should be accepted as the embodiment of truth.
Divine matters are often deemed foolish by humans, as Paul aptly stated in 1 Corinthians 2:14. This ignorance, often manifested in emotional behaviour, is characteristic of humanity. Peter, despite his close relationship with Christ, was sternly rebuked by Him for failing to distinguish between human actions and divine intentions. It is a frequent human error to mistake godliness for foolishness, while folly commonly dominates in secular affairs.
From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”
Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:21-24 NKJV).
Jesus was aware of humanity’s hardheartedness. Adopting His teachings requires drastic measures. This is only possible when one is fully convinced that no other knowledge surpasses Jesus’ teachings. This belief stems from the idea that Jesus is the source of all knowledge. This is why He said that anyone who follows His teachings resembles a person building on a solid rock foundation. Therefore, wise individuals align their acquired knowledge, in any field, with that of Jesus.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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