Post-Truth

Martin Collins, citing a study conducted by Dr. Tara Stewart (as reported in Guy Christopher's blog), explains why journalists of the mainstream media have fallen into disapproval for their widespread deception and bias. This study demonstrated that journalists seem to have less brain power than others to "regulate emotions, solve complex problems... and think flexibly and creatively." Furthermore, they "understand less about what is going on than most people around them and are far less competent to figure out what is wrong or how to make it right." This study found that reporters and journalists have less ability to "suppress biases" than workers in other fields, perhaps explaining the findings of a number of recent polls which suggest that 65% of news consumers believe that reporters write fake news. While these mendacious reporters with deadened consciences can evade polygraph detectors, they cannot evade the scrutiny of Almighty God and the tests for truth found in His Word. In post-truth America, where media reports far more falsehood than truth, God's called-out ones need to be careful not to "buy" the deceit consistently proffered by the mainstream media.

Ryan McClure, acknowledging that our culture is in a 'post trust' and 'post truth' period with the majority of mankind not yet called, reminds us that God's called-out ones cannot stop proving all things, even though they may think they have proved everything already. Our entire spiritual walk requires that we exercise the gift of the Holy Spirit, continually testing, retesting, proving, and reproving all things. By doing this, we continue to grow spiritually. By perennially proving all things, we will be convicted and able to teach others. The days of deception are here. God is allowing us to be tested on a daily and yearly basis to see if we are willing to prove all things again.

Joseph Baity focuses on a prophecy in Micah 7:2-6 describing a culture of corruption and distrust, ignored by watchmen and prophets, a prophecy of the end-time we are experiencing today, a time of economic disparity and emotional turbulence, a time when some of the most grievous conflicts occur between family members. Like people of Micah's time, our people also have serious trust issues, even between close friends and family members. When wealth and greed go unchecked, the poor pay a high price. Without trust, a community, state, or nation is ultimately doomed. Our culture is struggling with idolatry and income disparity. The mainstream faith in Judeo-Christian values is shrinking into oblivion. America is being divided by multiple lines of distrust as never seen before. The Oxford Dictionary's word of the year is "post-truth," which refers to the subjugation of facts to emotion. Trust, faith, and belief are so intertwined that the man who is unable to trust is unable to abide or trust in an unseen God. Without trusting in God, it is impossible to receive His Holy Spirit. Without His Holy Spirit, our faith dries up. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Sadly, some aspects of the post-truth mindset have entered the church, eroding relationships between God and brethren. Satan promotes insecurity and distrust—and he is good at it. We must be on guard against the wiles of Satan, continuing to trust in God and the brethren. As strong as Satan's will is to divide us, God's will to unite us is stronger by far.