We now live in a state of “malignant normality.” Lies, assertions, accusations, misinformation, and disinformation flow freely and routinely from the White House and from Fox News. They then get amplified by elected Republicans and through social media to a gullible public. The coronavirus pandemic is highlighting the danger of this situation. A few days … Read more
Disinformation is more than simply misinformation, or false information. Disinformation is false information that is deliberately spread in order to deceive. In our day to day lives we tend to trust the people we live with, work with, and worship with. We usually don’t live our daily lives in a suspicious, guarded, fashion. In our … Read more
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matthew 24:24 In 1978, the IRS revoked the tax exempt status of “Christian” Bob Jones University (Greenville, South Carolina) due to its racist policies. The next year, … Read more
Rather than shutting down dissenting voices, these leaders have learned to harness the democratizing power of social media for their own purposes—jamming the signals, sowing confusion. They no longer need to silence the dissident shouting in the streets; they can use a megaphone to drown him out. Scholars have a name for this: censorship through … Read more
Whenever I point out the evil being done by a Republican, or by the Republican Party, the standard defense I hear is usually some variation on, “But both sides do it!” This argument is a logical fallacy called “red herring.” It is a diversionary tactic designed to change the subject. Of course one can find … Read more
And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice. Moses 4:4 Deception (Noun) : the act of causing someone to accept as true or valid what is … Read more
Some moments are defining. For example, one may be a selfish, careless driver – speeding, failing to signal turns, cutting people off during lane changes – and you may get away with it for a while. But what if one hits a parked car with no witnesses around? Do you leave a note with your … Read more
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24 Ask yourself. When President Nelson speaks, do you feel comfort, love, and enlightenment? How do you feel when … Read more